Advertising Supplement

3ABOUT THE BEE

Star FileMonica White, left, Marketing Director for the Ventura County Star, announces that Soleil Jones, 13, of Oxnard will be headed to Washington D.C. to represent Ventura County in the Scripps National Spelling Bee after winning the county bee at California State University, Channel Islands on March 2, 2013.

The Ventura County Star has presented the County Spelling Bee for more than 50 years. This year, the Star is proud to present 131 of the best school-aged spellers in Ventura County.

Our community spelling bee program requires the commitment of school spelling bee coordinators for Ventura County public, private, parochial, charter, virtual and home schools. Each of these schools sends one champion to the final bee. Ultimately, one talented speller will win an all-expenses paid trip to the 87th annual 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee near Washington, D.C.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational promotion, administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps Company. The Ventura County Star is one of many local spelling bee sponsors from the United States, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Department of Defense Schools in Europe; also, the Bahamas, China, Ghana, Jamaica, Japan and South Korea.

Our purpose is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives.

The Bee’s official reference is Webster’s Third New International Dictionary (Webster’s Third) and its addenda section, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster. All words on the lists produced by the Scripps national office can be found in Webster’s Third.

Where do the words come from?

How many words are in each 2014

Final Local Bee List?There are 500 words in the Final Local Bee List: 300

words from a list provided by the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Spell It! and 200 Additional Words. Additional Words do not appear on any of the 2014 study lists for students; however they do appear in our official dictionary.

Lucy Adler

Flexible and mediator.Grade 5, University Preparatory School At CSUCI, Camarillo

Emily Aguilar

Brilliant and delightful.Grade 8, The Phoenix Ranch School, Simi Valley

Mia De Lara

Intelligent and polite.Grade 6, Emilie Ritchen Elem., Oxnard

Adeline DeLamar

Resourceful and sensible.Grade 5, Juanamaria Elem., Ventura

Brandon Dinh

Earnest and hardworking.Grade 5, La Mariposa Elem., Camarillo

Duncan Drust

Intelligent and inquisitive.Grade 6, Los Primeros Structured School, Camarillo

Ayla Dvoretzky

Curious and caring.Grade 8, La Reina High School, Newbury Park

Carmen Escutia

Confident and humble.Grade 4, Sierra Linda Elem., Oxnard

Cameron Esmaili

Funny and smart.Grade 8, Our Lady Of Assumption School, Camarillo

Allie Fielding

Intelligent and creative.Grade 4, Poinsettia Elem., Ventura

Rachel Carrillo

Observant and energetic.Grade 5, Christa McAuliffe Elem., Oxnard

Megha Chandrashaker

Kind-hearted and competitive.Grade 5, Mound Elem., Ventura

Noelle Ru Chapman

Loyal and eclectic.Grade 7, Christian Academic Support Association, Camarillo

Maritza Chavez

Hardworking and intelligent.Grade 3, Olivelands School, Santa Paula

Jade Chongsathapornpong

Humble and scholar.Grade 7, Cape Charter School, Oxnard

Joanna Cipres-Hurtado

Enthusiastic and witty.Grade 5, Dos Caminos School, Camarillo

Sam Coats

Frugal and student.Grade 7, Cabrillo Middle School, Ventura

Pablo De La Cruz

Determined and funny.Grade 5, Richard Bard Elem., Oxnard

Natasha Arce

Dedicated and thoughtful.Grade 6, San Antonio Elem., Ojai

Madeline Bannon

Driven and determined.Grade 5, Camarillo Heights School, Camarillo

Amauri Barrinuevo

Inquisitive and bright.Grade 5, Cornerstone Christian School, Camarillo

Isaak Beckman

Creative and intelligent.Grade 4, Las Posas Elem., Camarillo

Griffen Bengard

Smart and athletic.Grade 6, Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School, Camarillo

Jem Burch

Thoughtful and curious.Grade 5, Golden Valley Charter School, Van Nuys

Vanessa Camarena

Intelligent and polite.Grade 6, Marina West Elem., Oxnard

Aliyah Cantada

Fun and respectful.Grade 4, Rio Lindo Elem., Oxnard

Hannah Alexander

Sweet and adventurous.Grade 7, Beacon Hill Classical Academy, Camarillo

Lukas Alzamora

Fashionable and artistic.Grade 6, Blanche Reynolds Elem., Oxnard

Caleb Amezcua

Athletic and funny.Grade 8, E. O. Green Junior High, Port Hueneme

SCHOOL CHAMPIONS4This year more than 16,000

third- through eighth-grade students participated in classroom spelling bees in 131 schools from Ojai to Oak Park. Each School Spelling Bee Champion qualified to advance to the final rounds of the Ventura County Star Spelling Bee. The following is a list of those champions, their winning word, two words that teachers say best describe them, the school they represent and their hometown.

pontiffgrouse armistice lanai chancellor payment

lawyer freudian extinguish astrolabe jurisdiction merge avenge monochrome

exception squirmy mugwump compulsory bulwark murderous netiquette

omnibus armistice caravan hedgehog nigh premium consternation infamous

Dana Riley

Athletic and adventurous..Grade 5, Rancho Rosal Elem., Camarillo

propulsion

Adrian Hawthorne

Resourceful and dedicated.Grade 8, Richard B. Haydock Intermediate, Oxnard

Dalton Hayse

Stoic and patient.Grade 7, Pleasant Valley Christian School, Camarillo

Andrew Hearst

Bright and caring.Grade 3, Brookside Elem., Oak Park

Iris Huang

Smart and silly.Grade 5, Pinecrest Schools (Thousand Oaks), Simi Valley

Beowulf Hudson

Creative and smart.Grade 6, Mira Monte Elem., Oak View

Carla Jimarez

Gifted and dedicated.Grade 3, Ansgar Larsen Elem., Oxnard

Rachel Johnston

Bright and cheerful.Grade 5, Junipero Serra Elem., Ventura

Adam Jones

Quick and intelligent.Grade 6, Topa Topa Elem., Ojai

Jeremy Garelik

Leader and confidence.Grade 6, Colina Middle School, Westlake Village

Alejandra Gonzalez

Strong and persistent.Grade 7, Somis Elem., Somis

Jocelyn Gonzalez

Conscientious and creative.Grade 5, Ojai Valley School, Ventura

Anna Guerra

Loyal and kind.Grade 5, Montalvo Elem., Ventura

Antonio Guerrero

Studious and well-mannered.Grade 3, Driffill Elem., Oxnard

Sophia Guevara

Smart and encouraging.Grade 5, San Cayetano Elem., Fillmore

Fabian Gutierrez

Curious and self-motivated.Grade 5, Julien Hathaway Elem., Oxnard

Selene Gutierrez

Kind and responsible.Grade 5, Grace S. Thille Elem., Santa Paula

Jacob Firme

Well-rounded and supportive.Grade 5, Fred L. Williams Elem., Port Hueneme

Aleeya Flores

Creative and quiet.Grade 5, Barbara Webster Elem., Santa Paula

Garrett Flores

Happy and funny.Grade 5, Tierra Linda Elem., Camarillo

Courtney Forde

Caring and compassionate.Grade 6, Las Colinas Middle School, Camarillo

Amaya Fuentes

Kind and genuine.Grade 4, Elmhurst Elem., Ventura

Hayden Galvan

Persistent and thoughtful.Grade 5, McKevett Elem., Santa Paula

Gerardo Garcia

Leader and compassionate.Grade 8, St. Rose Of Lima School, Simi Valley

Samuel Garcia

Athletic and smart.Grade 5, Juan Soria Elem., Oxnard

5

leonine sapphirecavalierturmoilvitriolic astrolabecharioteerscorpion

duplicityduplicity affluentmediocre

carcinogengluttonous charioteerragamuffin

groovespectacles vitriolicailmentbazooka robotbasicallymisery

Helping to educate our future leadersCounty Schools Federal

Credit Union is proud to be a corporate sponsor of Ventura County Star Spelling Bee in addition to other programs such as Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, Science Fair and financial literacy.

“We are not the largest financial institution in the county, but we are the only one dedicated exclusively to the education community. We strongly support a high quality, well-rounded

education for our youth; the future leaders of our beautiful county” said Diane Eberhardy,

Chairman of the Board for County Schools Federal Credit Union.

Located at 4591 Market Street in Ventura, County Schools Federal Credit Union serves the faculty, staff, students, and immediate family members of current members from all private and public schools in Ventura County. For more information visit www.CSFCU.org

County Bee PronouncerDr. Julia BalenProfessor of EnglishCSU Channel Islands

County Bee JudgesDr. Trudy T. ArriagaSuperintendent Ventura Unified School District

Alisa Sparkia Moore, J.D.

Kerry GaraglianoAssociate Director of Marketing CommunicationsCorwin a SAGE Company

John TarkanyCoordinator, Student Competitions & FundraisingVentura County Office of Education

Sheryl MisenhimerPrincipalGlen City Elementary

Many Thanks To Our Coordinators and VolunteersThank you to the 131 school coordinators who coached and mentored their school champion. Thank you to the Worker Bees who have dedicated their time to ensure that our spellers are welcome and prepared. Above all, thanks to the students, parents and teachers from Ventura County who took part in this year’s Spelling Bee.

Ventura County Star StaffMargie CochranePublisher & Chief Revenue Officer

John T. MooreEditor

Monica WhiteDirector of Marketing, West Coast

Julie LopezCounty Spelling Bee Coordinator

California State University Channel Islands StaffDr. Richard R. RushPresident

Nancy Covarrubias GillDirector of Communication & Marketing

Ventura County Star Spelling BeeCorporate Bee Sponsors

Host Bee Sponsor

Partner Bee Sponsors

Presenting Bee Sponsor

DowntownVenturaLions Club

EVENT

Saturday, March 8, 20141 p.m., Malibu Hall 100

California State University Channel Islands

ProgramWelcome

Spelling Bee RulesSpelling Bee

Awards Ceremony

2013 Numbers132 61

20

114

17

8.253

BY THE2014

131

58

15

20

8.45

5

4The number of school spelling bee champions who qualified for the Ventura County Star Spelling Bee.

The percentage of girls participating in the county bee.

The number of eighth grade school champions.

The number of returning spellers who competed in the 2013 Ventura County Star Spelling Bee.

The age of the youngest school champion – Jovany Perez.

The number of third grade school champions.

The number of spellers competing in their third Ventura County Star Spelling Bee.

THE PROGRAM6

Micah Wilcox (2012, 2013)De Anza Middle School

“Micah is a very hard worker and doesn’t give up!”

Kyler Vea (2013)Santa Clara Elementary

“He is a high honors student and shows great dedication to his studies.”

Julian Tuazon (2013)Rio Rosales School

“In addition to being a competitive speller, Julian also spends time each day helping second graders become better readers.”

Laura Larzelere (2013)Hueneme Elementary

“Laura is very artistic. She loves school. She plays the guitar. She is a very well-rounded student.”

Hayden Galvan (2013)McKevett Elementary

“Hayden is an absolutely devoted student. She works really hard on everything. She is honest, thoughtful and kind.”

Jacob Firme (2012, 2013)Fred L. Williams Elementary

“Jacob is an excellent leader and role model for his peers ... he also got a perfect score in math last year on the CST.”

Ayla Dvoretzky (2013)La Reina High School

“She is an exceptional student with a thirst for knowledge (and is the second student, after her sister, to be the school spelling bee champion two years running).”

Sam Coats (2012)Cabrillo Middle School

“Sam says he is special because he is Italian and enjoys mathematics because it’s fun. He also reads a lot. He just finished the 2001 series by Arthur C. Clark.”

Bryce Saldajeno (2013)Los Cerritos Middle School

“Bryce loves to surf, ski and play baseball. He is humorous and intelligent.”

7RETURNING CHAMPIONSWhat schools had to say about our Returning School Champions

Joanna Cipres-Hurtado (2013)Dos Caminos School

“Joanna is extremely bright. She is very outgoing and has a larger than life personality.”

Emily Aguilar (2013)The Phoenix Ranch School

“Emily is president of our student body; she is an ice skater, a flute player and gifted student.”

Lukas Alzamora (2013)Blanche Reynolds Elementary

“Lukas goes by the nickname LuLu and is fashionable and artistic.”

Jem Burch (2013)Golden Valley Charter School

“As a fifth grader, Jem competed against students all the way up through eighth grade … and still became our Spelling Bee champion.”

Noelle Ru Chapman (2012, 2013)Christian Academic Support Association

“Noelle’s new passion this year is being a bona fide Tolkienite! She is impressed that Tolkien was a philologist and she is currently studying Sindarin or the Grey-elvish language. Noelle believes learning Sindarin helps her in her Latin studies.”

Jade Chongsathapornpong (2012)Cape Charter School

“Jade is humble and respectful. He always listens to and supports his colleagues in the classroom. He is a team player that builds up the community.”

Riley Dana (2013)Rancho Rosal Elementary

“Riley enjoys playing basketball and skateboarding. He’s also athletic and adventurous.”

Adeline DeLamar (2013)Juanamaria Elementary

“She reads a lot about Greek mythology.”

Rachel Johnston (2013)Junipero Serra Elementary

“She is a twin, and enjoys dancing and hanging out with friends.”

Golnaz Kamali (2013)Loma Vista Elementary

“Golnaz loves to read and is quiet and intelligent.”

Gisele Ortega (2013)Sacred Heart Elementary

“Gisele has earned a spot in the school bee every year since fourth grade.”

Estrella Rico (2013)Sheridan Way Elementary

“She speaks two languages and plays multiple musical instruments.”

Rita Rodiles Oliva (2012)Norma Harrington Elementary

“Rita feels strongly about helping those with autism. She fundraises and speaks to other classes so we can all be aware.”

Roselyn Romero (2012, 2013)Charles F. Blackstock Junior High School

“Roselyn is a phenomenal speller and an exemplary person! Roselyn is the FIRST three-time spelling champion in our school’s history. She is not only a remarkable and dedicated speller; she is a gifted student in all subject areas.”

Sean McConnell

Inquisitive and creative.Grade 6, Sunset Elem., Oak View

Logun McGinley

Dedicated and intelligent.Grade 6, Summit Elem., Ojai

Kaley McMaster

Determined and studious.Grade 5, Bethany Christian School, Thousand Oaks

Elvira Medina

Friendly and creative.Grade 6, Rio Real Elem., Oxnard

Dulce Mendoza

Energetic and studious.Grade 5, Blanchard Elem., Santa Paula

Justice Michaels

Energetic and goal-oriented.Grade 7, University Charter Middle School, Camarillo

Heidi Millman

Fun-Loving and easygoing.Grade 6, St. Paschal Baylon School, Camarillo

Gabriela Molina

Positive and hardworking.Grade 8, Holy Cross School, Ventura

Golnaz Kamali

Quiet and intelligent.Grade 4, Loma Vista Elem., Ventura

Manav Kanji

Hardworking and focus.Grade 6, Mary Law Private School, Camarillo

Nicole Kim

Personable and conscientious.Grade 7, Monte Vista Middle School, Camarillo

Ekaterina Kiseleva

Competitive and talented.Grade 7, Medea Creek Middle School, Agoura Hills

Miranda Juarez

Responsible and honest.Grade 5, Rio Del Norte Elem., Oxnard

Logan Knapp

Sweet and determined.Grade 5, El Descanso School, Camarillo

Natanya Koshy

Nice and smart.Grade 6, Bridges Charter School, Simi Valley

Isabella Lake

Petite and argumentative.Grade 5, MATES, Westlake Village

Laura Larzelere

Vivacious and brainy.Grade 6, Hueneme Elem., Port Hueneme

Michelle Le

Well-rounded and interested.Grade 6, Mesa Verde Middle School, Moorpark

Donald Leary

Responsible and committed.Grade 5, Citrus Glen Elem., Ventura

Alia Leavitt

Diligent and compassionate.Grade 7, Living Oaks Middle School Academic Alliance, Thousand Oaks

Raquelin Lemus

Contemplative and perseverant.Grade 7, Briggs Elem., Santa Paula

Eleanor Liu

Confident and meticulous.Grade 6, Redwood Middle School, Thousand Oaks

Karina Lucero

Studious and caring.Grade 5, Meiners Oaks Elem., Ojai

Sebastian Martinez

Easygoing and caring.Grade 4, Santa Clara Elem., Santa Paula

crystalline hedgehogmergepaymenthermitage prerogativegenetrixgenetic

cohesivesituation periodicalabstruse

chamberlolled insinuatebetrothal

divvymonochrome abstrusecarcinogentaught obliviatecharioteerchiffonade

SCHOOL CHAMPIONS8

SAGE is the world’s leading independent academic and professional publisher. SAGE was founded in 1965 by Sara Miller McCune and her husband George McCune and has grown to employ more than 1,200 people worldwide. With offices all over the world including Thousand Oaks, London, New Delhi, Singapore, and Washington DC, SAGE’s dedication to education and scholarship extends far beyond Ventura County. SAGE publishes more than 750 academic journals and more than 800 books annually in the pursuit of helping to spread the reach of knowledge.

SAGE believes passionately that scholarship lies at the heart of any healthy society and that education is intrinsically valuable. As such, SAGE is committed to investing money into community efforts that reflect our core

values. SAGE’s current philanthropic efforts are committed to programs that further education.

SAGE supports higher education among its employees as well. Currently, SAGE completely underwrites the pursuit of a first-time college degree for full-time employees, provides textbook reimbursements for employees and their children, and provides some funding for employees pursuing advanced degrees.

SAGE is happy to have the opportunity to support endeavors such as the Ventura County Spelling Bee, which furthers education and strengthens the community where we live and work.

Committed to investing in furthering education

Tanushree Pal

Hardworking and dedicated.Grade 8, Balboa Middle School, Ventura

Jovany Perez

Kind and smart.Grade 3, Piru Elem., Piru

Amy Petersen

Dedication and enthusiasm.Grade 7, Sequoia Middle School, Thousand Oaks

Matthew Phillips

Humbling and decisive.Grade 5, Mupu Elem., Santa Paula

Kyle Pickett

Witty and cheeky.Grade 5, Peppermint Junction Elementary Academy, Ventura

Christopher Quirarte

Happy and friend.Grade 6, Dennis McKinna Elem., Oxnard

Ellyzel Ramirez

Dedicated and motivated.Grade 8, Rio Del Valle Junior High, Oxnard

Marisol Ramirez

Friendly and funny.Grade 5, Glen City Elem., Santa Paula

Jessica Moore

Sweet and smart.Grade 4, E. P. Foster Elem., Ventura

Anissa Morrison

Driven and humble.Grade 8, Anacapa Middle School, Oxnard

Quinn Moss

Precocious and playful.Grade 6, Carden Conejo School, Thousand Oaks

Dylan Mackenz Mullaney

Leader and dedicated.Grade 5, Pierpont Elem., Ventura

Genevieve Munoz

Wild and sleepy.Grade 5, Rio Vista Elem., Fillmore

Emma Myers

Pride and leadership.Grade 4, Mountain Vista Elem., Fillmore

Meghna Nair

Smart and fun.Grade 4, Oak Hills Elem., Oak Park

Dominic Nanalis

Studious and awesome.Grade 5, Portola Elem., Ventura

Morgan Nash

Driven and kind.Grade 6, Trinity Pacific Christian School, Thousand Oaks

Rahul Naveen

Artistic and diligent.Grade 4, Red Oak Elem., Simi Valley

Natalia Negron

Thoughtful and respectful.Grade 6, Crestview Elem., Simi Valley

Dylan Nese

Proactive and intelligent.Grade 7, St. Anthony’s School, Oxnard

Calvin Nguyen

Hardworking and focus.Grade 5, Norman R. Brekke Elem., Oxnard

Nick Olague

Determined and considerate.Grade 6, Pinecrest Schools (Moorpark), Moorpark

Keyana Olguin

Focused and proud.Grade 5, Rio Plaza Elem., Oxnard

Gisele Ortega

Perseverant and competitive.Grade 7, Sacred Heart Elem., Ventura

joust bassoondominantinfamoussought extinguishragamuffinarraignment

equatorvestigial trifleextinguish

frumpstentorian mackerelassimilative

quagmirecircumstantial vouchpropulsionbetrothal dominatepermissiontomahawk

9

Can’t make it to the Bee? You can watch the Ventura County Spelling Bee live at www.vcstar.com – just look for the link on our home page.

At some point during the live feed, you’ll probably say to yourself, “Hey, I know these words?” We’ve also provided you a chance find out how you would do in the county championship. Visit www.vcstar.com/special/spellingbee to watch the actual first-round test from the 2013 Ventura County Spelling Bee. All participants were required to take this test and the top scoring spellers then moved on to the final rounds. With the 2014 bee today, here’s a chance to see if you have what it takes to be a county spelling bee champion.

Watch the Ventura County Spelling Bee LIVE!

Star FileGenevieve Thomas, an eighth-grader at Cabrillo Middle School in Ventura (left), took second place at the 2013 Ventura County Star Spelling Bee.

Jessenia Urbina

Humble and strength.Grade 5, Saticoy Elem., Ventura

Kyler Vea

Intelligent and generous.Grade 5, Santa Clara Elem., Oxnard

Ashley Villegas

Smart and attentive.Grade 5, Rose Avenue Elem., Oxnard

Matthew Weymer

Kind and persistent.Grade 8, Mesa Union Elem., Camarillo

Micah Wilcox

Industrious and creative.Grade 7, De Anza Middle School, Ventura

Cassidy Schenck

Intelligent and determined.Grade 5, Rio Del Mar Elem., Oxnard

Michelle Segura

Determined and gracious.Grade 6, Ocean View Junior High, Oxnard

Jupneet Singh

Compassionate and driven.Grade 6, Perches Academy, Oxnard

Sourya Sinha

Intelligent and funny.Grade 8, Chaparral Middle School, Moorpark

Adler Striegel

Outgoing and nice.Grade 4, Will Rogers Elem., Ventura

Sam Tafoya

Considerate and happy.Grade 5, Ventura Missionary School, Ventura

Melody Tello

Smart and kind.Grade 6, Isbell Middle School, Santa Paula

Julian Tuazon

Humble and tenacious.Grade 5, Rio Rosales School, Oxnard

David Regio

Ambitious and friendly.Grade 7, Rio Vista Middle School, Oxnard

Alan Resendiz

Studious and incredible.Grade 6, Sunkist Elem., Oxnard

Estrella Rico

Dedicated and driven.Grade 5, Sheridan Way Elem., Ventura

Ashley Roberts

Motivated and intelligent.Grade 5, Hollywood Beach Elem., Oxnard

Lucy Robertson

Thoughtful and quiet.Grade 8, Matilija Junior High, Ojai

Rita Rodiles Oliva

Dedicated and kind.Grade 6, Norma Harrington Elem., Oxnard

Alejandro Romero

Kind and generous.Grade 6, St. Sebastian School, Santa Paula

Roselyn Romero

Undeniably exceptional!Grade 8, Charles F. Blackstock Junior High, Oxnard

Jillian Romualdez

Studious and dedicated.Grade 6, St. Mary Magdalen School, Camarillo

Micaela Roth

Confident and quiet.Grade 4, Conejo Valley Homeschoolers, Newbury Park

Hans Sagun

Smart and curious.Grade 4, Our Lady Of Guadalupe School, Oxnard

Bryce Saldajeno

Humorous and intelligent.Grade 8, Los Cerritos Middle School, Thousand Oaks

Isabel Samatar

Kind and intelligent.Grade 5, Lincoln Elem., Ventura

Angel Sanchez

Fun-loving and kind.Grade 5, Art Haycox Elem., Oxnard

Jissel Santa Rosa

Genuine and amazing.Grade 5, Thelma B. Bedell Elem., Santa Paula

Ralph Santos

Hardworking and smart.Grade 5, Pinecrest Schools (Simi Valley), Simi Valley

SCHOOL CHAMPIONS10

compelled

dirndl

perceived courtierbonsai

opossum detrimentalsapphiremoviegoerpoverty extinguishcohesiveragamuffin

dominantrecoup derelictbolide

portmanteaurebuffed intrepidprognosticate

sapphireaerodynamic sketchassimilativedemarcate rebuffedlumberjackexorcism

11LAST YEAR’S CHAMPION

Last March, Soleil Jones, an eighth-grader at Juan Soria School in Oxnard at the time, won the 2013 Ventura County Star Spelling Bee when she correctly spelled “chresard” — the soil water available for plants to grow. She’d seen the word in a book she was reading and wrote it down, along with other words she didn’t recognize.

Jones knew the first time she watched the national spelling bee on television: She wanted to be on that stage, too. A few years later she was there, ready to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. E.W. Scripps, parent company of The Star, runs the contest.

Jones won a trip to the national bee in Washington, as well as $500, a Kindle and a classroom pizza party. In addition to fulfilling her wish to compete in the bee, Jones flew on a plane for the first time.

Veronica Binkley, assistant principal at Juan Soria, said Jones became something of a celebrity at school.

“She’s truly an inspiration,” Binkley said. “She’s driven, a role model for her peers. She’s a self-initiated learner, which is a rare trait for middle school students. ... I know she’s one of those girls we’ll be reading about for doing phenomenal things in her life.”

Before heading to Washington, Jones studied words − then reviewed them at night with her mother, after doing her homework.

For years, that’s what the bee required — that students spell words correctly. But because of a change introduced in April 2013, they also must know what some of those words mean. The change meant vocabulary was now part of tests students take to qualify for the semifinals.

At the time Jones said, “It’s a huge shift from what I was planning. That’s a ginormous shift. I have to know all the definitions they gave me.

“I really don’t think it’s fair because it was given to you only a month in advance,” she said of the rules change. “It changes the way you study.”

But as much as the new rules threw her for a loop, Jones says she benefited from the change.

“With just spelling, I didn’t need to know the

meanings of words. Now I can use words in conversations and in my writing at school,” she said.

Once in Washington, Jones completed the first round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, explaining that the vocabulary test was harder than the written spelling test, and she thought it put the contestants at a disadvantage.

Jones strolled across the stage in the second round and listened closely as the pronouncer asked her to spell “gauche.”

She asked for the word’s language of origin. (It’s a Germanic word that became French before it became English.) She asked for a definition. (It

means lacking in social graces.) And then she slowly − but confidently − spelled out each letter.

“G-a-u-c-h-e,” she said.Jones aced that word and later nailed

“brouhaha” in the third round, but still failed to make the semifinals of the 86th national competition.

“I’m not disappointed,” Jones said. “I’m just happy I came here, and I’m super happy for everyone here.

“I’ve gotten to meet so many people I’ve wanted to meet for so long,” she said, mentioning bee executive director Paige Kimble and pronouncer Jacques Bailly, both former national spelling champs, as examples.

“They are like celebrities to me,” Jones said.Jones is too old to participate in the 2014

Ventura County Star Spelling Bee. But she highly recommends the experience to others.

“You’ll meet more people and learn some new vocabulary,” she said. “It can be fun to do.”

Soleil Jones, 2013 Ventura County Star Spelling Bee Champ

Mark Bowen/Scripps Howard News Service Soleil Rosalinda Jones, Speller 10, at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.

Soleil took first place by correctly spelling “chresard” in the countywide spelling bee. Her advice to future spellers? “You’ll meet more people and learn some new vocabulary. It can be fun to do.”

As Ventura County’s only four-year public university, CSU Channel Islands (CI) is quickly becoming a gem of the state’s higher education system. Founded in 2002 as the 23rd and newest campus of the CSU, the University offers an unparalleled student-centered learning experience in one of Southern California’s most scenic settings.

The campus is nestled on 1,200 acres at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains, blending striking 1930s Spanish architecture with state-of-the-art, 21st century facilities and technology. Students benefit from small class sizes, close collaboration with faculty and peers, and a strong sense of community and purpose. The curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary, real-world approach in which students tackle community problems, conduct meaningful research, and make a difference. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all

backgrounds from the region and beyond.

CI has consistently been recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For” and by the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its dedication to community enrichment.

With more than 5,100 students, 750 employees and over 7,500 alumni, CI is poised to grow in size and renown, while maintaining one of the most student-focused learning environments in public higher education.

For more information, visit www.csuci.edu.

Serving the community through education