“Linguistics. L-I-N-G-U-I-S-T-I-C-S. Linguistics.”
It’s no wonder that 11-year-old Amira Warren spelled linguistics, the scientific study of language and its structure, successfully to take 2nd place in the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s (LACOE) Spelling Bee on March 28. Amira, an avid reader and talented creative writer – and excellent speller – came in 2nd in Culver City Unified School District’s spelling bee to qualify for the County contest. Her 2nd place county finish qualifies her for the California State Elementary Spelling Bee, to take place on May 12 in Stockton, California. Amira is a 5th grader at Linwood Howe Elementary School, and the only student from Culver City. She competed against 24 other students from neighboring school districts.
“I watched Amira in awe of her confidence and calm while I did my best to breathe through my nerves,” says Khatija Dabadhoy, Amira’s mother and a CCHS graduate. “When she got to the final rounds and the competition took a turn, I was really on the edge of my seat. This journey has been nothing short of magical for our family.”
“I am so proud of Amira!” says Linwood Howe’s Principal Dr. Kim Indelicato. “She is a fantastic representative of our Lin Howe and Culver City communities. Amira is a bright, hard working, and high achieving student who models good citizenship and is always willing to help others. I wish her the best of luck at the state competition.”
As a result of her LACOE performance, Amira was also invited to participate in a comedy sketch about spelling bees on the national late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! to air Monday night, April 2, on ABC (Channel 7) at 11:30 pm.
C-O-N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S, Amira!! Talk about Culver Pride!
Joanna Brody
THATS ME YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!!!
WE are so proud of you Amira! Congratulations again!