H.B. Thompson Middle School eighth-grader Rika Mizoguchi is heading to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., this May. Rika outlasted 125 contestants representing schools from Nassau and Suffolk counties, including 35 finalists, to win the Long Island Regional Spelling Bee at Hofstra University on March 13.“The H.B. Thompson Middle School family congratulates Rika on this very impressive accomplishment,” said H.B. Thompson Principal James Kassebaum. “Rika emerged as our school champion to qualify for the regionals, and we are proud to have her represent Syosset and serve as an ambassador for Long Island on the national stage in Washington. She is a hardworking and humble student, and we wish her well in her quest to become a national champion speller.”
In the 17th round of the regional bee, Rika correctly spelled the word “adnate,” which Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines as “grown to a usually unlike part, especially along a margin.”
Rika is pictured displaying a Newsday article written about her victory while being congratulated by Kassebaum and her ELA teacher Anne O’Toole. She will represent Long Island at the Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 25-26. Congratulations and best of luck, Rika!
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