[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 85 (Friday, June 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING SCRIPP'S NATIONAL SPELLING BEE SEMI-FINALIST, ALIA ABIAD

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2013

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alia Abiad, who 
recently participated in the Scripp's National Spelling Bee.
  Alia Abiad is a 7th Grader from 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 and national Spelling Bees 
have demonstrated that she is a driven, exemplary student.
  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 Spelling Bee. In these 
competitions, she maintained a perfect record, spelling every word 
correctly.
  Most recently, she competed alongside 280 of America's top spellers 
in the Scripp's National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC. She advanced 
to the semi-finals, correctly spelling `peccadillo,' `quiddity,' and 
`hypnopompic,' before her run ended.
  Alia's achievements are 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, and her parents, for her tremendous accomplishments, and 
her commendable performance in the Scripp's National Spelling Bee.

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