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Advertising Supplement
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ABOUT THE BEE
Star File
Monica White, left, Marketing Director for the Ventura County
Star, announces that Soleil Jones, 13, of Oxnard will be
headed to Washington D.C. to represent Ventura County in the
Scripps National Spelling Bee after winning the county bee
at California State University, Channel Islands on March 2,
2013.
The Ventura County Star has presented the County
Spelling Bee for more than 50 years. This year, the Star is
proud to present 131 of the best school-aged spellers in
Ventura County.
Our community spelling bee program requires the
commitment of school spelling bee coordinators for
Ventura County public, private, parochial, charter, virtual
and home schools. Each of these schools sends one
champion to the final bee. Ultimately, one talented speller
will win an all-expenses paid trip to the 87th annual 2014
Scripps National Spelling Bee near Washington, D.C.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nations
largest and longest-running educational promotion,
administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps
Company. The Ventura County Star is one of many local
spelling bee sponsors from the United States, American
Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and
Department of Defense Schools in Europe; also, the
Bahamas, China, Ghana, Jamaica, Japan and South
Korea.
Our purpose is to help students improve their spelling,
increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop
correct English usage that will help them all their lives.
The Bees official reference is Websters Third New
International Dictionary (Websters Third) and its addenda
section, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster. All words on the
lists produced by the Scripps national office can be found in
Websters Third.
Where do the
words come from?
How many words
are in each 2014
Final Local Bee List?
There are 500 words in the Final Local Bee List: 300
words from a list provided by the Scripps National Spelling
Bee, Spell It! and 200 Additional Words. Additional Words
do not appear on any of the 2014 study lists for students;
however they do appear in our official dictionary.
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Lucy Adler
Flexible and mediator.
Grade 5, University
Preparatory School At
CSUCI, Camarillo
Emily Aguilar
Brilliant and delightful.
Grade 8, The Phoenix
Ranch School,
Simi Valley
Mia De Lara
Intelligent and polite.
Grade 6, Emilie Ritchen
Elem., Oxnard
Adeline DeLamar
Resourceful and
sensible.
Grade 5, Juanamaria
Elem., Ventura
Brandon Dinh
Earnest and
hardworking.
Grade 5, La Mariposa
Elem., Camarillo
Duncan Drust
Intelligent and inquisitive.
Grade 6, Los Primeros
Structured School,
Camarillo
Ayla Dvoretzky
Curious and caring.
Grade 8, La Reina High
School, Newbury Park
Carmen Escutia
Confident and humble.
Grade 4, Sierra Linda
Elem., Oxnard
Cameron Esmaili
Funny and smart.
Grade 8, Our Lady Of
Assumption School,
Camarillo
Allie Fielding
Intelligent and creative.
Grade 4, Poinsettia
Elem., Ventura
Rachel Carrillo
Observant and
energetic.
Grade 5, Christa
McAuliffe Elem., Oxnard
Megha Chandrashaker
Kind-hearted and
competitive.
Grade 5, Mound Elem.,
Ventura
Noelle Ru Chapman
Loyal and eclectic.
Grade 7, Christian
Academic Support
Association, Camarillo
Maritza Chavez
Hardworking and
intelligent.
Grade 3, Olivelands
School, Santa Paula
Jade
Chongsathapornpong
Humble and scholar.
Grade 7, Cape Charter
School, Oxnard
Joanna Cipres-Hurtado
Enthusiastic and witty.
Grade 5, Dos Caminos
School, Camarillo
Sam Coats
Frugal and student.
Grade 7, Cabrillo
Middle School, Ventura
Pablo De La Cruz
Determined and funny.
Grade 5, Richard Bard
Elem., Oxnard
Natasha Arce
Dedicated and
thoughtful.
Grade 6, San Antonio
Elem., Ojai
Madeline Bannon
Driven and determined.
Grade 5, Camarillo
Heights School,
Camarillo
Amauri Barrinuevo
Inquisitive and bright.
Grade 5, Cornerstone
Christian School,
Camarillo
Isaak Beckman
Creative and intelligent.
Grade 4, Las Posas
Elem., Camarillo
Griffen Bengard
Smart and athletic.
Grade 6, Santa Rosa
Technology Magnet
School, Camarillo
Jem Burch
Thoughtful and curious.
Grade 5, Golden Valley
Charter School,
Van Nuys
Vanessa Camarena
Intelligent and polite.
Grade 6, Marina West
Elem., Oxnard
Aliyah Cantada
Fun and respectful.
Grade 4, Rio Lindo
Elem., Oxnard
Hannah Alexander
Sweet and adventurous.
Grade 7, Beacon Hill
Classical Academy,
Camarillo
Lukas Alzamora
Fashionable and artistic.
Grade 6, Blanche
Reynolds Elem.,
Oxnard
Caleb Amezcua
Athletic and funny.
Grade 8, E. O. Green
Junior High,
Port Hueneme
SCHOOL CHAMPIONS
4
This year more than 16,000
third- through eighth-grade students
participated in classroom spelling
bees in 131 schools from Ojai to
Oak Park. Each School Spelling Bee
Champion qualified to advance to the
final rounds of the Ventura County
Star Spelling Bee. The following is a
list of those champions, their winning
word, two words that teachers say
best describe them, the school they
represent and their hometown.
PONTIFF GROUSE ARMISTICE LANAI CHANCELLOR
PAYMENT
LAWYER FREUDIAN EXTINGUISH ASTROLABE JURISDICTION MERGE AVENGE MONOCHROME
EXCEPTION SQUIRMY MUGWUMP COMPULSORY BULWARK MURDEROUS NETIQUETTE
OMNIBUS ARMISTICE CARAVAN HEDGEHOG NIGH PREMIUM CONSTERNATION INFAMOUS
Dana Riley
Athletic and
adventurous..
Grade 5, Rancho Rosal
Elem., Camarillo
PROPULSION
Adrian Hawthorne
Resourceful and
dedicated.
Grade 8, Richard B.
Haydock Intermediate,
Oxnard
Dalton Hayse
Stoic and patient.
Grade 7, Pleasant
Valley Christian School,
Camarillo
Andrew Hearst
Bright and caring.
Grade 3, Brookside
Elem., Oak Park
Iris Huang
Smart and silly.
Grade 5, Pinecrest
Schools (Thousand
Oaks), Simi Valley
Beowulf Hudson
Creative and smart.
Grade 6, Mira Monte
Elem., Oak View
Carla Jimarez
Gifted and dedicated.
Grade 3, Ansgar Larsen
Elem., Oxnard
Rachel Johnston
Bright and cheerful.
Grade 5, Junipero Serra
Elem., Ventura
Adam Jones
Quick and intelligent.
Grade 6, Topa Topa
Elem., Ojai
Jeremy Garelik
Leader and confidence.
Grade 6, Colina Middle
School, Westlake Village
Alejandra Gonzalez
Strong and persistent.
Grade 7, Somis Elem.,
Somis
Jocelyn Gonzalez
Conscientious and
creative.
Grade 5, Ojai Valley
School, Ventura
Anna Guerra
Loyal and kind.
Grade 5, Montalvo
Elem., Ventura
Antonio Guerrero
Studious and well-
mannered.
Grade 3, Driffill Elem.,
Oxnard
Sophia Guevara
Smart and encouraging.
Grade 5, San Cayetano
Elem., Fillmore
Fabian Gutierrez
Curious and self-
motivated.
Grade 5, Julien
Hathaway Elem., Oxnard
Selene Gutierrez
Kind and responsible.
Grade 5, Grace S. Thille
Elem., Santa Paula
Jacob Firme
Well-rounded and
supportive.
Grade 5, Fred L. Williams
Elem., Port Hueneme
Aleeya Flores
Creative and quiet.
Grade 5, Barbara
Webster Elem., Santa
Paula
Garrett Flores
Happy and funny.
Grade 5, Tierra Linda
Elem., Camarillo
Courtney Forde
Caring and
compassionate.
Grade 6, Las Colinas
Middle School, Camarillo
Amaya Fuentes
Kind and genuine.
Grade 4, Elmhurst
Elem., Ventura
Hayden Galvan
Persistent and
thoughtful.
Grade 5, McKevett
Elem., Santa Paula
Gerardo Garcia
Leader and
compassionate.
Grade 8, St. Rose Of
Lima School, Simi Valley
Samuel Garcia
Athletic and smart.
Grade 5, Juan Soria
Elem., Oxnard
5
LEONINE SAPPHIRE CAVALIER TURMOIL VITRIOLIC ASTROLABE CHARIOTEER SCORPION
DUPLICITY DUPLICITY AFFLUENT MEDIOCRE
CARCINOGEN GLUTTONOUS CHARIOTEER RAGAMUFFIN
GROOVE SPECTACLES VITRIOLIC AILMENT BAZOOKA ROBOT BASICALLY MISERY
Helping to educate our future leaders
County Schools Federal
Credit Union is proud to be a
corporate sponsor of Ventura
County Star
Spelling Bee
in addition
to other
programs
such as Academic Decathlon,
Mock Trial, Science Fair and
financial literacy.
We are not the largest
financial institution in the
county, but we are the only
one dedicated exclusively to
the education community.
We strongly support a
high quality, well-rounded
education for our youth; the
future leaders of our beautiful
county said Diane Eberhardy,
Chairman of the
Board for County
Schools Federal
Credit Union.
Located
at 4591 Market Street in
Ventura, County Schools
Federal Credit Union serves
the faculty, staff, students,
and immediate family
members of current members
from all private and public
schools in Ventura County.
For more information visit
www.CSFCU.org
County Bee Pronouncer
Dr. Julia Balen
Professor of English
CSU Channel Islands
County Bee Judges
Dr. Trudy T. Arriaga
Superintendent
Ventura Unified School District
Alisa Sparkia Moore, J.D.
Kerry Garagliano
Associate Director of Marketing Communications
Corwin a SAGE Company
John Tarkany
Coordinator, Student Competitions & Fundraising
Ventura County Office of Education
Sheryl Misenhimer
Principal
Glen City Elementary
Many Thanks To Our Coordinators and Volunteers
Thank you to the 131 school coordinators who coached
and mentored their school champion. Thank you to the
Worker Bees who have dedicated their time to ensure
that our spellers are welcome and prepared. Above
all, thanks to the students, parents and teachers from
Ventura County who took part in this years Spelling Bee.
Ventura County Star Staff
Margie Cochrane
Publisher & Chief Revenue Officer
John T. Moore
Editor
Monica White
Director of Marketing, West Coast
Julie Lopez
County Spelling Bee Coordinator
California State University Channel Islands Staff
Dr. Richard R. Rush
President
Nancy Covarrubias Gill
Director of Communication & Marketing
Ventura County Star Spelling Bee
Corporate Bee Sponsors
Host Bee Sponsor
Partner Bee Sponsors
Presenting Bee Sponsor
Downtown
Ventura
Lions Club
EVENT
Saturday, March 8, 2014
1 p.m., Malibu Hall 100
California State University
Channel Islands
PROGRAM
Welcome
Spelling Bee Rules
Spelling Bee
Awards Ceremony
2013 Numbers
132 61
20
1
14
17
8.25
3
BY
THE 2014
131
58
15
20
8.45
5
4
The number of
school spelling
bee champions
who qualified for
the Ventura County
Star Spelling Bee.
The percentage of
girls participating
in the county bee.
The number of
eighth grade
school champions.
The number of returning
spellers who competed in
the 2013 Ventura County
Star Spelling Bee.
The age of
the youngest
school champion
Jovany Perez.
The number of
third grade school
champions.
The number
of spellers
competing
in their third
Ventura County
Star Spelling
Bee.
THE PROGRAM
6
Micah Wilcox (2012, 2013)
De Anza Middle School
Micah is a very hard
worker and doesnt give
up!
Kyler Vea (2013)
Santa Clara Elementary
He is a high honors
student and shows great
dedication to his studies.
Julian Tuazon (2013)
Rio Rosales School
In addition to being a
competitive speller, Julian
also spends time each day
helping second graders
become better readers.
Laura Larzelere (2013)
Hueneme Elementary
Laura is very artistic. She
loves school. She plays the
guitar. She is a very well-
rounded student.
Hayden Galvan (2013)
McKevett Elementary
Hayden is an absolutely
devoted student. She works
really hard on everything.
She is honest, thoughtful
and kind.
Jacob Firme (2012, 2013)
Fred L. Williams Elementary
Jacob is an excellent leader
and role model for his peers
... he also got a perfect score
in math last year on the
CST.
Ayla Dvoretzky (2013)
La Reina High School
She is an exceptional
student with a thirst for
knowledge (and is the
second student, after her
sister, to be the school
spelling bee champion two
years running).
Sam Coats (2012)
Cabrillo Middle School
Sam says he is special
because he is Italian
and enjoys mathematics
because its fun. He also
reads a lot. He just finished
the 2001 series by Arthur
C. Clark.
Bryce Saldajeno (2013)
Los Cerritos Middle School
Bryce loves to surf, ski
and play baseball. He is
humorous and intelligent.
7
RETURNING CHAMPIONS
What schools had to say about our Returning School Champions
Joanna Cipres-Hurtado (2013)
Dos Caminos School
Joanna is extremely
bright. She is very outgoing
and has a larger than life
personality.
Emily Aguilar (2013)
The Phoenix Ranch School
Emily is president of our
student body; she is an ice
skater, a flute player and
gifted student.
Lukas Alzamora (2013)
Blanche Reynolds Elementary
Lukas goes by the
nickname LuLu and is
fashionable and artistic.
Jem Burch (2013)
Golden Valley Charter School
As a fifth grader, Jem
competed against students
all the way up through
eighth grade and still
became our Spelling Bee
champion.
Noelle Ru Chapman (2012, 2013)
Christian Academic Support Association
Noelles new passion this
year is being a bona fide
Tolkienite! She is impressed
that Tolkien was a philologist
and she is currently studying
Sindarin or the Grey-elvish
language. Noelle believes
learning Sindarin helps her
in her Latin studies.
Jade Chongsathapornpong (2012)
Cape Charter School
Jade is humble and
respectful. He always
listens to and supports
his colleagues in the
classroom. He is a team
player that builds up the
community.
Riley Dana (2013)
Rancho Rosal Elementary
Riley enjoys playing
basketball and
skateboarding. Hes also
athletic and adventurous.
Adeline DeLamar (2013)
Juanamaria Elementary
She reads a lot about
Greek mythology.
Rachel Johnston (2013)
Junipero Serra Elementary
She is a twin, and enjoys
dancing and hanging out
with friends.
Golnaz Kamali (2013)
Loma Vista Elementary
Golnaz loves to read and is
quiet and intelligent.
Gisele Ortega (2013)
Sacred Heart Elementary
Gisele has earned a spot
in the school bee every year
since fourth grade.
Estrella Rico (2013)
Sheridan Way Elementary
She speaks two languages
and plays multiple musical
instruments.
Rita Rodiles Oliva (2012)
Norma Harrington Elementary
Rita feels strongly about
helping those with autism.
She fundraises and speaks
to other classes so we can
all be aware.
Roselyn Romero (2012, 2013)
Charles F. Blackstock Junior High School
Roselyn is a phenomenal
speller and an exemplary
person! Roselyn is the
FIRST three-time spelling
champion in our schools
history. She is not only a
remarkable and dedicated
speller; she is a gifted
student in all subject areas.
Sean McConnell
Inquisitive and creative.
Grade 6, Sunset Elem.,
Oak View
Logun McGinley
Dedicated and
intelligent.
Grade 6, Summit Elem.,
Ojai
Kaley McMaster
Determined and
studious.
Grade 5, Bethany
Christian School,
Thousand Oaks
Elvira Medina
Friendly and creative.
Grade 6, Rio Real Elem.,
Oxnard
Dulce Mendoza
Energetic and studious.
Grade 5, Blanchard
Elem., Santa Paula
Justice Michaels
Energetic and goal-
oriented.
Grade 7, University Charter
Middle School, Camarillo
Heidi Millman
Fun-Loving and easygoing.
Grade 6, St. Paschal
Baylon School, Camarillo
Gabriela Molina
Positive and
hardworking.
Grade 8, Holy Cross
School, Ventura
Golnaz Kamali
Quiet and intelligent.
Grade 4, Loma Vista
Elem., Ventura
Manav Kanji
Hardworking and focus.
Grade 6, Mary Law
Private School,
Camarillo
Nicole Kim
Personable and
conscientious.
Grade 7, Monte Vista
Middle School, Camarillo
Ekaterina Kiseleva
Competitive and talented.
Grade 7, Medea Creek
Middle School, Agoura
Hills
Miranda Juarez
Responsible and
honest.
Grade 5, Rio Del Norte
Elem., Oxnard
Logan Knapp
Sweet and determined.
Grade 5, El Descanso
School, Camarillo
Natanya Koshy
Nice and smart.
Grade 6, Bridges
Charter School, Simi
Valley
Isabella Lake
Petite and
argumentative.
Grade 5, MATES,
Westlake Village
Laura Larzelere
Vivacious and brainy.
Grade 6, Hueneme
Elem., Port Hueneme
Michelle Le
Well-rounded and
interested.
Grade 6, Mesa Verde
Middle School, Moorpark
Donald Leary
Responsible and
committed.
Grade 5, Citrus Glen
Elem., Ventura
Alia Leavitt
Diligent and
compassionate.
Grade 7, Living Oaks
Middle School Academic
Alliance, Thousand Oaks
Raquelin Lemus
Contemplative and
perseverant.
Grade 7, Briggs Elem.,
Santa Paula
Eleanor Liu
Confident and
meticulous.
Grade 6, Redwood
Middle School,
Thousand Oaks
Karina Lucero
Studious and caring.
Grade 5, Meiners Oaks
Elem., Ojai
Sebastian Martinez
Easygoing and caring.
Grade 4, Santa Clara
Elem., Santa Paula
CRYSTALLINE HEDGEHOG MERGE PAYMENT HERMITAGE PREROGATIVE GENETRIX GENETIC
COHESIVE SITUATION PERIODICAL ABSTRUSE
CHAMBER LOLLED INSINUATE BETROTHAL
DIVVY MONOCHROME ABSTRUSE CARCINOGEN TAUGHT OBLIVIATE CHARIOTEER CHIFFONADE
SCHOOL CHAMPIONS
8
SAGE is the worlds leading
independent academic and
professional publisher. SAGE was
founded in 1965 by Sara Miller
McCune and her husband George
McCune and has grown to employ
more than 1,200 people worldwide.
With offices all over the world including
Thousand Oaks, London, New
Delhi, Singapore, and Washington
DC, SAGEs dedication to education
and scholarship extends far beyond
Ventura County. SAGE publishes more
than 750 academic journals and more
than 800 books annually in the pursuit
of helping to spread the reach of
knowledge.
SAGE believes passionately that
scholarship lies at the heart of any
healthy society and that education is
intrinsically valuable. As such, SAGE
is committed to investing money into
community efforts that reflect our core
values. SAGEs current philanthropic
efforts are committed to programs that
further education.
SAGE supports higher education
among its employees as well.
Currently, SAGE completely
underwrites the pursuit of a first-time
college degree for full-time employees,
provides textbook reimbursements
for employees and their children, and
provides some funding for employees
pursuing advanced degrees.
SAGE is happy to have the
opportunity to support endeavors
such as the Ventura County Spelling
Bee, which furthers education and
strengthens the community where we
live and work.
Committed to investing in furthering education
Tanushree Pal
Hardworking and
dedicated.
Grade 8, Balboa Middle
School, Ventura
Jovany Perez
Kind and smart.
Grade 3, Piru Elem.,
Piru
Amy Petersen
Dedication and
enthusiasm.
Grade 7, Sequoia Middle
School, Thousand Oaks
Matthew Phillips
Humbling and decisive.
Grade 5, Mupu Elem.,
Santa Paula
Kyle Pickett
Witty and cheeky.
Grade 5, Peppermint
Junction Elementary
Academy, Ventura
Christopher Quirarte
Happy and friend.
Grade 6, Dennis
McKinna Elem., Oxnard
Ellyzel Ramirez
Dedicated and
motivated.
Grade 8, Rio Del Valle
Junior High, Oxnard
Marisol Ramirez
Friendly and funny.
Grade 5, Glen City
Elem., Santa Paula
Jessica Moore
Sweet and smart.
Grade 4, E. P. Foster
Elem., Ventura
Anissa Morrison
Driven and humble.
Grade 8, Anacapa
Middle School, Oxnard
Quinn Moss
Precocious and playful.
Grade 6, Carden Conejo
School, Thousand Oaks
Dylan
Mackenz Mullaney
Leader and dedicated.
Grade 5, Pierpont
Elem., Ventura
Genevieve Munoz
Wild and sleepy.
Grade 5, Rio Vista
Elem., Fillmore
Emma Myers
Pride and leadership.
Grade 4, Mountain
Vista Elem., Fillmore
Meghna Nair
Smart and fun.
Grade 4, Oak Hills
Elem., Oak Park
Dominic Nanalis
Studious and awesome.
Grade 5, Portola Elem.,
Ventura
Morgan Nash
Driven and kind.
Grade 6, Trinity Pacific
Christian School,
Thousand Oaks
Rahul Naveen
Artistic and diligent.
Grade 4, Red Oak
Elem., Simi Valley
Natalia Negron
Thoughtful and
respectful.
Grade 6, Crestview
Elem., Simi Valley
Dylan Nese
Proactive and
intelligent.
Grade 7, St. Anthonys
School, Oxnard
Calvin Nguyen
Hardworking and focus.
Grade 5, Norman R.
Brekke Elem., Oxnard
Nick Olague
Determined and
considerate.
Grade 6, Pinecrest
Schools (Moorpark),
Moorpark
Keyana Olguin
Focused and proud.
Grade 5, Rio Plaza
Elem., Oxnard
Gisele Ortega
Perseverant and
competitive.
Grade 7, Sacred Heart
Elem., Ventura
JOUST BASSOON DOMINANT INFAMOUS SOUGHT EXTINGUISH RAGAMUFFIN ARRAIGNMENT
EQUATOR VESTIGIAL TRIFLE EXTINGUISH
FRUMP STENTORIAN MACKEREL ASSIMILATIVE
QUAGMIRE CIRCUMSTANTIAL VOUCH PROPULSION BETROTHAL DOMINATE PERMISSION TOMAHAWK
9
Cant make it to the Bee? You
can watch the Ventura County
Spelling Bee live at www.vcstar.
com just look for the link on our
home page.
At some point during the
live feed, youll probably say
to yourself, Hey, I know these
words? Weve also provided you a
chance find out how you would do
in the county championship. Visit
www.vcstar.com/special/spellingbee
to watch the actual first-round test
from the 2013 Ventura County
Spelling Bee. All participants were
required to take this test and the
top scoring spellers then moved on
to the final rounds. With the 2014
bee today, heres a chance to see
if you have what it takes to be a
county spelling bee champion.
Watch the Ventura County
Spelling Bee LIVE!
Star File
Genevieve Thomas, an eighth-grader at
Cabrillo Middle School in Ventura (left), took
second place at the 2013 Ventura County
Star Spelling Bee.
Jessenia Urbina
Humble and strength.
Grade 5, Saticoy Elem.,
Ventura
Kyler Vea
Intelligent and
generous.
Grade 5, Santa Clara
Elem., Oxnard
Ashley Villegas
Smart and attentive.
Grade 5, Rose Avenue
Elem., Oxnard
Matthew Weymer
Kind and persistent.
Grade 8, Mesa Union
Elem., Camarillo
Micah Wilcox
Industrious and
creative.
Grade 7, De Anza
Middle School, Ventura
Cassidy Schenck
Intelligent and
determined.
Grade 5, Rio Del Mar
Elem., Oxnard
Michelle Segura
Determined and
gracious.
Grade 6, Ocean View
Junior High, Oxnard
Jupneet Singh
Compassionate and
driven.
Grade 6, Perches
Academy, Oxnard
Sourya Sinha
Intelligent and funny.
Grade 8, Chaparral
Middle School, Moorpark
Adler Striegel
Outgoing and nice.
Grade 4, Will Rogers
Elem., Ventura
Sam Tafoya
Considerate and happy.
Grade 5, Ventura
Missionary School,
Ventura
Melody Tello
Smart and kind.
Grade 6, Isbell Middle
School, Santa Paula
Julian Tuazon
Humble and tenacious.
Grade 5, Rio Rosales
School, Oxnard
David Regio
Ambitious and friendly.
Grade 7, Rio Vista
Middle School, Oxnard
Alan Resendiz
Studious and
incredible.
Grade 6, Sunkist Elem.,
Oxnard
Estrella Rico
Dedicated and driven.
Grade 5, Sheridan Way
Elem., Ventura
Ashley Roberts
Motivated and
intelligent.
Grade 5, Hollywood
Beach Elem., Oxnard
Lucy Robertson
Thoughtful and quiet.
Grade 8, Matilija Junior
High, Ojai
Rita Rodiles Oliva
Dedicated and kind.
Grade 6, Norma
Harrington Elem.,
Oxnard
Alejandro Romero
Kind and generous.
Grade 6, St. Sebastian
School, Santa Paula
Roselyn Romero
Undeniably exceptional!
Grade 8, Charles F.
Blackstock Junior High,
Oxnard
Jillian Romualdez
Studious and dedicated.
Grade 6, St. Mary
Magdalen School,
Camarillo
Micaela Roth
Confident and quiet.
Grade 4, Conejo
Valley Homeschoolers,
Newbury Park
Hans Sagun
Smart and curious.
Grade 4, Our Lady Of
Guadalupe School,
Oxnard
Bryce Saldajeno
Humorous and intelligent.
Grade 8, Los Cerritos
Middle School,
Thousand Oaks
Isabel Samatar
Kind and intelligent.
Grade 5, Lincoln Elem.,
Ventura
Angel Sanchez
Fun-loving and kind.
Grade 5, Art Haycox
Elem., Oxnard
Jissel Santa Rosa
Genuine and amazing.
Grade 5, Thelma B.
Bedell Elem., Santa
Paula
Ralph Santos
Hardworking and smart.
Grade 5, Pinecrest
Schools (Simi Valley),
Simi Valley
SCHOOL CHAMPIONS
10
COMPELLED
DIRNDL
PERCEIVED COURTIER BONSAI
OPOSSUM DETRIMENTAL SAPPHIRE MOVIEGOER POVERTY EXTINGUISH COHESIVE RAGAMUFFIN
DOMINANT RECOUP DERELICT BOLIDE
PORTMANTEAU REBUFFED INTREPID PROGNOSTICATE
SAPPHIRE AERODYNAMIC SKETCH ASSIMILATIVE DEMARCATE REBUFFED LUMBERJACK EXORCISM
11
LAST YEARS CHAMPION
Last March, Soleil Jones, an eighth-grader at
Juan Soria School in Oxnard at the time, won the
2013 Ventura County Star Spelling Bee when she
correctly spelled chresard the soil water
available for plants to grow. Shed seen the word in
a book she was reading and wrote it down, along
with other words she didnt recognize.
Jones knew the first time she watched the
national spelling bee on television: She wanted to
be on that stage, too. A few years later she was
there, ready to compete in the Scripps National
Spelling Bee. E.W. Scripps, parent company of The
Star, runs the contest.
Jones won a trip to the national bee in
Washington, as well as $500, a Kindle and a
classroom pizza party. In addition to fulfilling her
wish to compete in the bee, Jones flew on a plane
for the first time.
Veronica Binkley, assistant principal at Juan
Soria, said Jones became something of a celebrity
at school.
Shes truly an inspiration, Binkley said. Shes
driven, a role model for her peers. Shes a self-
initiated learner, which is a rare trait for middle
school students. ... I know shes one of those
girls well be reading about for doing phenomenal
things in her life.
Before heading to Washington, Jones studied
words then reviewed them at night with her
mother, after doing her homework.
For years, thats what the bee required that
students spell words correctly. But because of
a change introduced in April 2013, they also
must know what some of those words mean. The
change meant vocabulary was now part of tests
students take to qualify for the semifinals.
At the time Jones said, Its a huge shift from
what I was planning. Thats a ginormous shift. I
have to know all the definitions they gave me.
I really dont think its fair because it was given
to you only a month in advance, she said of the
rules change. It changes the way you study.
But as much as the new rules threw her for a
loop, Jones says she benefited from the change.
With just spelling, I didnt need to know the
meanings of words. Now I can use words in
conversations and in my writing at school, she
said.
Once in Washington, Jones completed the
first round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee,
explaining that the vocabulary test was harder than
the written spelling test, and she thought it put the
contestants at a disadvantage.
Jones strolled across the stage in the second
round and listened closely as the pronouncer
asked her to spell gauche.
She asked for the words language of origin.
(Its a Germanic word that became French before
it became English.) She asked for a definition. (It
means lacking in social graces.) And then she
slowly but confidently spelled out each letter.
G-a-u-c-h-e, she said.
Jones aced that word and later nailed
brouhaha in the third round, but still failed
to make the semifinals of the 86th national
competition.
Im not disappointed, Jones said. Im just
happy I came here, and Im super happy for
everyone here.
Ive gotten to meet so many people Ive wanted
to meet for so long, she said, mentioning bee
executive director Paige Kimble and pronouncer
Jacques Bailly, both former national spelling
champs, as examples.
They are like celebrities to me, Jones said.
Jones is too old to participate in the 2014
Ventura County Star Spelling Bee. But she highly
recommends the experience to others.
Youll meet more people and learn some new
vocabulary, she said. It can be fun to do.
Soleil Jones, 2013 Ventura County Star
Spelling Bee Champ
Mark Bowen/Scripps Howard News Service
Soleil Rosalinda Jones, Speller 10, at the Scripps National
Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.
Soleil took first place by correctly spelling chresard in the
countywide spelling bee. Her advice to future spellers? Youll
meet more people and learn some new vocabulary. It can be
fun to do.
At CSU Cbannel |slanos worklng sloe-by-sloe
wltb pro|essors, lnoustry eperts ano pro|esslonals
ls an opportunlty |or every stuoent. Tbey brlng
tbeory lnto practlce. Tbey learn bow problems
can be solveo. Tbese are more tban elo trlps
or lnternsblps to put on resumes. Tbese are tbe
lessons on wblcb to bullo careers.
Cbrlsten Hu|| '12 8S Nurslng eg|stered Nurse ll, Some uo, Surger,,
Commun|t, Memor|o| Hosp|to|, Gabrlel Gulllen '11 8S Nurslng Commun|t,
Heo|th Lducot|on & lo|th Commun|t, Nurse Network Superv|sor CHAMP

Progrom Coord|notor, u|gn|t, Heo|th St. john`s Hosp|to|s

TOGLTHLP WL |NNOvATL
jolnus.csucl.eou/vcs
VCS1332059
www.rentara//anserents.arg
Saturday
Aprll 5, 20I4
Dunatluns Needed Fur The Sllent & Llve Auctlun
Please Call {805) 485-6II4 X 63I
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Praad/y Present Oar
Sunuma Style Crab Feast
All net proceeds will support Lions Clubs Charities and Interface Children & Family Services, a Ventura County organization
whose mission is to strengthen children, families, & communities to be safe, healthy, and thriving.
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A Spec/a/ Thanks Ta Oar Ga/d Spansars:
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VCS1332056
As Ventura Countys only four-
year public university, CSU Channel
Islands (CI) is quickly becoming a
gem of the states higher education
system. Founded in 2002 as the
23rd and newest campus of the CSU,
the University offers an unparalleled
student-centered learning experience
in one of Southern Californias most
scenic settings.
The campus is nestled on 1,200
acres at the base of the Santa Monica
Mountains, blending striking 1930s
Spanish architecture with state-of-
the-art, 21st century facilities and
technology. Students benefit from
small class sizes, close collaboration
with faculty and peers, and a strong
sense of community and purpose.
The curriculum emphasizes an
interdisciplinary, real-world approach
in which students tackle community
problems, conduct meaningful
research, and make a difference.
CI has been designated by the
U.S. Department of Education as a
Hispanic-Serving Institution and is
committed to serving students of all
backgrounds from the region and
beyond.
CI has consistently been
recognized by The Chronicle of
Higher Education as a Great College
to Work For and by the Presidents
Higher Education Community Service
Honor Roll for its dedication to
community enrichment.
With more than 5,100 students,
750 employees and over 7,500
alumni, CI is poised to grow in size
and renown, while maintaining one
of the most student-focused learning
environments in public higher
education.
For more information, visit www.
csuci.edu.
Serving the community through education