[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 29 (Thursday, February 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING COOK COUNTY SPELLING BEE CHAMPION ALIA ABIAD

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2013

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alia Abiad, 
winner of the Cook County Spelling Bee.
   Alia Abiad is a 7th Grader at McClure Junior High School, and a 
resident of my hometown of Western Springs, IL. In addition to being a 
skilled tennis player and violinist for the Chicago Youth Symphony 
Orchestra, her recent performances in local Spelling Bees have 
demonstrated that she is an extremely dedicated and talented young 
woman.
   Alia diligently practices her spelling independently and with her 
parents every day. She also gains her edge by reading books intended 
for an audience well beyond her age.
   Alia initially won the title of best speller at McClure Junior High, 
and then went on to win the Cook County Regional Spelling Bee. In these 
competitions she maintained a perfect record, spelling every word 
correctly. Alia will be representing her school and her peers at the 
Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC this upcoming May.
   This victory is a reminder of how preparation, practice, and 
perseverance produce solid results, even when facing difficult 
challenges. I call on all my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Alia Abiad for her tremendous accomplishment.

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