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Jackson Middle School student preps for spelling bee in D.C.

Spelling Bee competitor Cecelia Fatta, 14, of Vienna, studies for the Scripps National Spelling Bee at her home on Tuesday night. (Photo by Peyton Neely)

VIENNA — In between jump rope practices and dance classes, Jackson Middle School eighth-grader Cecelia Fatta has been learning the spelling of as many words as she can.

She’s preparing for her trip to Washington, D.C., this weekend to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and will be among 291 other spellers from across the country.

“I’m obviously excited about the spelling part since I worked so hard to get to the national bee plus it’s my last year to be in spelling bees,” said Fatta of Vienna. “Meeting people from all over the country and seeing the sites in Washington, D.C. will also be fun.”

This is the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee. Fatta advanced to the national bee after winning the 37th annual Marietta Times Regional Spelling Bee in March.

“Going to the Scripps National Spelling Bee is a huge honor and I’m very happy to be able to go and represent our region,” said Fatta.

She said she’s been preparing by studying a few printed dictionaries, the online unabridged dictionary and some Hexco study tool booklets.

“There are endless amounts of words to learn,” she said. “I don’t really group words, but Asian languages like Japanese have words with odd spellings. Also, their pronunciations are very different than what I would think from looking at the words. Like netsuke is pronounced ‘net-skay.”

Fatta’s mother, Amy Matthews, said she thinks it will be nerve-racking to watch all the spellers compete, but exciting at the same time.

“We’re hoping Cece will enjoy herself during the trip and has fun at all the events the bee staff has planned,” she said. “To see Cece at the national bee will be great. She’s been working toward that goal for several years and now she’s earned her way there.”

Fatta has always had a love for learning to spell words. She said she enjoys the fun and competition of spelling bees. At school, she is actively involved in student council, the National Junior Honor Society and the school band. She’s finishing up her middle school career and will be heading to Parkersburg High School next year.

“A lot of people have been rooting her on and wishing her luck. It’s really nice to see the community supporting her,” said Matthews.

The later rounds of the Scripps National Spelling Bee will be aired on television networks. On June 1, ESPN2 will show coverage from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for coverage of Rounds 5 and 6, ESPNU will show coverage from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and ESPN will show coverage from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. for coverage of Round 7 finals. Online streaming begins on Wednesday on ESPN3 or the WatchESPN app.

“Spelling in front of so many people is something I’m most nervous about and that I’ll let down everybody who has been rooting for me,” said Fatta. “I have watched the national bee finals on TV many times, but I never dreamed that I would actually be there one day.”

* * *

How to Watch

* Television coverage of the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2017 begins June 1.

* ESPN2 will show coverage from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for coverage of Rounds 5 and 6.

* ESPNU will show coverage from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

* ESPN will show coverage from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. for coverage of Round 7 finals.

* Online streaming begins Wednesday on ESPN3 or the WatchESPN app.

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