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GTC student places 3rd in spelling tourney
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Posted on Mar 27 2006
Eumir Valenzuela, a sixth grader from the Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, placed third after 13 rounds at the 2006 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee competition held March 18 at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa.
He competed against 70 of the best spellers from Guam, Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Palau, including first-place winner, Jaimekris Dela Cruz from Cmdr. William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School and second-place winner Sabrina Garcia from Santa Barbara Catholic School.
During round 11, Valenzuela was poised to be the likely winner when he was the only one of six participants who was able to spell his word “edelweiss” correctly. However, he misspelled his next word, “pleurodynia,” giving the other finalists the opportunity to continue competing.
Valenzuela said that he was trembling with excitement during the entire competition, but tried to maintain his composure. “It felt pretty good to place in the top three because this is the furthest that GTC has ever made it,” said Valenzuela.
When asked what advice he would give to next year’s Spelling Bee participants, Valenzuela replied, “Refer to Ms. Jenny and Ms. Moore and stay committed.”
GTC Spelling Bee alternate John Pineda and coaches Jenny Villagomez and Deborah Moore accompanied Valenzuela.
The GTC school community is very proud of both Valenzuela and Pineda. They are also grateful to the Parent-Teacher Association and community organizations and businesses for supporting their efforts to send the students to the competition on Guam. (PR)
