[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12290-12291]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF SAMEER MISHRA, SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE CHAMPION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2008

  Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, on May 30, 2008, Sameer Mishra, an eighth 
grader at West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School in West Lafayette, 
Indiana, made his family, school, city and State proud when he won the 
2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Sameer outlasted 
287 other competitors to become this year's champion.
  In order to become the National Spelling Bee Champion, Sameer had to 
spell many complex words. The final word that stood between him and his 
victory was ``guerdon''--meaning a reward. After 3 years of hard work, 
he finally received his ultimate ``guerdon''.
  Before Sameer's spelling bee days, he watched his big sister, Shruti, 
compete in the National Spelling Bee, and he told his family that one 
day he would win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. True to his 
promise, he won the title on the very last opportunity that he was 
eligible.
  This was Sameer's fourth and last year in the competition. In 2005 he 
tied for 98th place. He made a huge jump in 2006 when he recieved 14th 
place, and last year he placed a well respected 16th.
  When he is not out-spelling middle school students from across the 
Nation, Sameer loves to read and participates in his school's book 
club. He enjoys playing computer and video games, as well as board 
games. Sameer has played the violin for 4 years in his school 
orchestra. He also likes to ride his bike and hang out with his 
friends. His favorite subjects are science and math.

[[Page 12291]]

  Sameer is a competitive student. He participates in contests such as 
Spell Bowl, Academic Super Bowl and Indiana State School Music 
Association. With his spelling bee days behind him, Sameer looks 
forward to high school and lofty goals that include a career as a 
neurosurgeon.
  Sameer Mishra is a remarkable young man. His competitive spirit and 
drive will take him far in life. His ability to set goals and work hard 
to achieve them makes him a shining example that other children can 
aspire to.

                          ____________________