[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 NINO JOACHIM TOLENTINO, 31ST ANNUAL SCRIPPS HOWARD REGIONAL SPELLING 
 BEE CHAMPION (GUAM), 76TH ANNUAL SCRIPPS HOWARD NATIONAL SPELLING BEE 
                      PARTICIPANT (WASHINGTON, DC)

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nino Joachim 
Tolentino for winning the 31St Annual Scripps Howard Regional Spelling 
Bee on Guam and his advancement to the 76th Annual Scripps Howard 
National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC where he proudly represented 
our island.
  Nino's spelling bee victory on Guam allowed him to compete 
nationally. At the national spelling bee, Nino successfully advanced to 
the third round. Although he was not ultimately victorious, Nino will 
walk away with an incredible experience, and a knowledge of the 
definition of ``farouche'', the word he spelled to propel him into the 
second round.
  Nino is an eighth-grader at Santa Barbara School in Dededo, Guam. 
Nino has aspired to compete in the National Spelling Bee since placing 
third in his fifth grade regional competition. By studying the origin 
of words, their definitions and its pronunciation, Nino devised his own 
method for spelling new words. Additionally, the support of Santa 
Barbara School, particularly his vice principal and coach, Sister Maria 
Rosario Gaite, helped Nino prepare for competition. Nino's success 
illustrates the importance of dedication and commitment in pursuing 
goals.
  On behalf of the people of Guam, I want to commend and congratulate 
Nino Tolentino for his accomplishments. Guam celebrates with Nino's 
mother, Joy Tolentino, and the faculty, staff and students of Santa 
Barbara School, in acknowledging his achievements. I look forward to 
Nino's continued success in the future.

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