Congresswoman Aumua Amata says it was an honor and privilege to be invited to be a judge for the 2016 Territorial Spelling Bee.
The congresswoman was impressed with the caliber of the young spellers.
She says, “These young minds truly are our future, and watching them participate today, I am filled with optimism for a bright future for our island, and nation.”
In the 22 years of the Territorial Spelling Bee Debrina Alaia Su’a, an eighth grader from Manulele Tausala Elementary School became the first two time consecutive winner, by correctly spelling the word “validity”, thereby validating her victory two years in a row.
Debrina will now travel on to Washington, D.C. for the National Competition hosted by Scripps’ Howard.
Finishing the competition in second place was, Avril Regis, a seventh grader from St. Theresa Elementary School, while Siofu Anesi Poloa of Pava’ia’i Elementary School finished in third place.
The congresswoman said, “What an unbelievable competition we had.
“I could not be more proud of all of the students who participated and I want to salute them and their parents and guardians, who have clearly done such a good job raising them, and instilling in them the importance of a good education.”
Aumua said the outstanding spelling and future students are the reason she fought hard to change the formula for territorial funding in the Every Student Succeeds Act, an extension of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the law that dictates funding for elementary and secondary education in the United States.
The congresswoman explained that “The new formula, which is the only formula change in the entire bill, will allow for nearly a 40 percent increase in elementary and secondary education on the island.”
At present schools currently receive approximately $10 million a year but this will increase to around $14 million annually beginning in October.
Aumua said, “I am hopeful that this increased funding will allow our students more resources and opportunities, and enhance their learning in the future.”
