[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 73 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  NIDHARSHAN ANANDASIVAM, 2006 NATIONAL SPELLING BEE, 8TH PLACE WINNER

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                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 9, 2006

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nidharshan 
Anandasivam, the young Brownsville scholar who came painstakingly close 
to victory in the 2006 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee, placing 
eighth to beat his personal best during the four years he competed in 
the national spelling bee contest.
  As a student from Saint Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas, 
Nidharshan loves learning the origins of words and the way words change 
through different languages. This hobby helped him qualify through nine 
intense rounds, correctly spelling difficult words such as ``physis,'' 
``festucine,'' and ``wehrmacht.''
  All South Texans are proud of this native son. It is one thing to be 
a great speller; it is another thing to have the ability to compete on 
live national TV--at such a young age.
  Nidharshan's success comes from his diligent studying, completing 
internet spelling courses and spelling study guides daily. In the weeks 
leading up to the competition, he studied over three hours each day. To 
be a young teen and have an exceptionally committed resolve for his 
academic pursuits demonstrate Nidharshan's maturity and hardworking 
nature.
  This year's spelling bee featured 275 spellers, which is the most 
participants in the history of the spelling bee. To place eighth out of 
275 participants is an incredible experience that Nidharshan can 
cherish for the rest of his life.
  I congratulate Nidharshan Anandasivam on his achievement of placing 
eighth in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee. I ask the House of 
Representatives to join me today in commending this outstanding scholar 
for his unwavering determination and dedication. Mr. Speaker, this 
young teen has inspired us and made us exceptionally proud.

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