WI Web Staff
Many people would be at a loss to explain how a "limpet" might be put in "imperilment." But painting such a scenario would be a breeze for Tuli Jahan Bennett-Bose, who has always had a fascination with words.
Tuli, who is an honor student at Oyster-Adams Bilingual School in Northwest, has her sights set on someday becoming a polyglot. And, judging from her performance in the recent annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, where she survived two grueling rounds, she's well on her way.
The 12-year-old, whose participation in the event that was held May 30-31 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Oxon Hill, Md., said she began honing her spelling skills in the 5th-grade. "When [my family] lived in Paris, I was at an American library when I saw a flyer for a spelling bee," Tuli recalled.
"So I decided to try it and I won. That was three years ago, and this is my second year participating in the spelling bee in the United States."
Snigdha Nandipati, an 8th-grader from San Diego won the championship. But a calm and collected Tuli, whose list of correctly-spelled words included 'limpet," a common name for several kinds of salt water and fresh water snails and "imperilment," to put in imminent peril or danger, stood out during the first day of the nerve-wracking and brain-busting competition. She was surrounded on stage by competitors who came from across the country and the District of Columbia, as well as Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Canada, China, Ghana, Jamaica, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
"I [was] very excited about her participation," Monica Jahan Bose said of her daughter. She said however, that Tuli, a 7th-grader, was a little disappointed about not reaching the finals.
"But she performed well. It was her dream to come to the national spelling bee," said Bose. "She's a very well-rounded girl, she worked very hard and she loves words. It was rewarding to see her on stage and she did a great job."
The 278 competitors ranged in ages from 6 to 15 and most like Tuli who was sponsored by The Washington Informer, were sponsored by various news organizations. Once given the word to spell, students could ask the pronouncer questions such as its origin, if there was an alternate pronunciation or if the pronouncer could repeat the word. But they also made spelling fun by joking with the panel before tackling words, or by waving a high-five once their buddies had come through with flying colors. As the numbers dwindled, many perched on the edge of their seats in anticipation of being called next.
In addition to Tuli, 6-year-old Lori Anne Madison of Prince William County, Va., [the youngest competitor ever in the event's 85-year history] and Shaheer Ali Imam, 8, from Catonsville, Md., hailed from the Washington region.
But just 50 of the 278 spellers survived the first rounds to make the semifinals on May 31. Semifinalists had to earn a score of at least 23, which was determined from the results of a written test and two oral rounds of competition.
Spelling Bee Director Paige Kimble won the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 1981. She said the competition helps students improve their spelling and increase their vocabulary. She also said that contrary to popular belief – students who are coached by their parents and other family members – don't know beforehand, the words they will be asked to spell.
"Once they get on stage, it's all spontaneous. The kids have no idea what words they will be given," said Kimble, who added that while on stage, the competitors get to practice confidence while developing poise.
"They become better communicators and they get to use words in ways that will help them to be successful," she said. "Many take their experiences on to careers in medicine, law, journalism – and occasionally like me, at running this year's event."
The spellers' favorite words included "serendipity," a happy accident or pleasant surprise and "humuhumunukunukuapuaa," Hawaii's official state fish.
About 84 percent of the spellers ranged in ages between 12 and 14, with 49 percent of them being boys and 51 percent girls. Like Tuli, many listed math as a favorite subject. Science was cited as the second most popular.
Meanwhile, this year's champion, Snigdha, appeared uncertain as she glanced sideways after spelling the word the pronouncer tossed at her.
Prior to the announcement that she had spelled the word "guetapens," a French word for ambush, correctly, there was a moment of dead silence before the applause began to slowly build. Then as streams of confetti began to fill the room, Snigdha's younger brother ran up on stage to hug her. For her efforts, Snigdha beat out eight other finalists to take home $30,000 in cash, a trophy, a $2,500 savings bond, a $5,000 scholarship, $2,600 in reference books from the Encyclopedia Britannica and an online language course.
"I knew it. I'd seen it before," a smiling Snigdha said of the winning word. "I just wanted to ask everything I could before I started spelling."
Current Government Workers to Receive All 4 Days of Pay
After months of negotiations, compromises and refusals, the Council of the District of Columbia approved an amendment, offered by Chairman Kwame R. Brown and At-large Councilmember Michael A. Brown, to rebate government workers for the four days they were furloughed last year.
Following the June 5 approval, the furlough rebate will be given in a one-time lump-sum payment in an amount of the employee's loss of salary or rate attributable to unpaid furlough days.
Councilmember Brown expects current workers should receive the rebate payment before the start of the school year. The decision to make workers whole followed Council approval of the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget.
"It is only right that we restore these funds and repay our hardworking civil servants for the work they do on behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia," said Council member Brown.
The Council also voted to secure funding for affordable housing programs, a top priority of District residents. Following ongoing negotiations, Council member Brown was able to secure approximately $2 million dollars to be directed to the Housing Production Trust Fund. These funds will be added to the $18 million secured in the FY2013 budget and restores the entire $20 million cut from the proposed budget.
This is part of a larger and successful effort to restore funding to similar programs such as the Home Purchase Assistance Program, and the Local Rent Supplement Program.
Gray Congratulates Council for Passing 2013 Budget Plan
Tuesday, 05 June 2012 21:49 Published in Local
Final Budget Represents More Than 99 Percent of Mayor's Original Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Mayor Vincent C. Gray has congratulated the D.C. Council for its passage of a budget that is largely unchanged from the budget proposal the Gray Administration presented to the governing body in March. The final budget approves 99.6 percent of the requested budget that Gray initially proposed.
"I'd like to thank the Council for passing my administration's budget that strikes a careful balance by avoiding new taxes and fees and cutting spending while still protecting our most vulnerable residents and allowing us to make important strategic investments in areas like education, workforce development and public safety," Gray said.
The $9.4 billion budget places a premium on fiscal responsibility by closing an anticipated $172.1 million gap between revenues and expenses without raising new taxes or adding new fees. Mayor Gray and his budget team adhered to four basic principles in assembling his original budget proposal:
Ensure a structurally balanced budget;
No new taxes or fees;
Continue strategic investments in education, public safety and workforce development; and
Protect the District's most vulnerable residents.
Actor Hill Harper to Address Friendship Academy Graduation
Tuesday, 05 June 2012 21:38 Published in Local
Friendship Collegiate Academy is proud to announce that "CSI: NY" star Hill Harper will address this year's graduation on Thursday, June 7. The event starts at 2 p.m. and will be held at DAR Constitution Hall in Northwest D.C.
Harper has appeared on numerous television shows and movies. He won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (2008–2010) for his portrayal of Dr. Sheldon Hawkes on "CSI: NY."
In addition, Harper is the author of several books: Letters to a Young Brother; MANifest Your Destiny, Letters to a Young Sister; DeFINE Your Destiny; and The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place.
The following is a list of the CBCF's 2012 summer interns, their legislative sponsors and colleges and universities the interns attend:
Ashley Bobo, Rep. Laura Richardson, Long Beach CA, Harvard College
Jeremy Broadus, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II Rahway NJ, Rutgers University
Tierra Burns, Rep. Melvin Watt Cameron, NC North Carolina Central University
Melissa Chin, TBD Mount Vernon NY, Brown university
Saliha Cifci, Rep. Al Green, Houston TX, Rutgers University
Devon Cox, Rep. Hansen Clarke, Southfield MI, University of Michigan
Nairobi Cratic, Rep. Gwen Moore, Milwaukee WI, Temple University
Devon Crawford, Rep. Terri Sewell, Birmingham AL, Morehouse College
Elizabeth Davis Rep. Bobby Scott Newport News VA George Mason University
Courtnie Drigo, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Missouri City TX, Rice University
Camylle Fleming, TBD Beltsville MD, Wellesley College
Chazmon Flood, Rep. Maxine Waters, Washington DC, Howard University
Ariana Gibbs, Rep. Bennie Thompson, Jackson MS, Spelman College
Brianna Gibson, Rep. Donna Edwards, Landover MD, Columbia University
Keitherra Graham, Rep. Cedric Richmond Kenner, LA, Howard University
John Grigg, Jr. Rep. Donna Christensen, St. Croix VI, University of Tampa
Brittany Harvey, Rep. André Carson, Indianapolis IN, Clark Atlanta University
Brandon Hill, TBD Eden Prairie MN, Morehouse College and Stanford
Tyler Hill, Rep. Barbara Lee, Los Angeles CA, University of California, Berkeley
Brooke Hutchins, Rep. Chaka Fattah Bala, Cynwyd, PA, Georgetown University
Duane Jackson, Rep. Yvette Clarke, Brooklyn NY, Bates College
Ocoszio Jackson, Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr., Dublin GA, Morehouse College
Tatehona Kelly, Rep. Marcia Fudge, Cincinnati OH, American University
Jordan Lindsay, Rep. William Lacy Clay, Silver Spring MD, Morehouse College
Malaiya McGee, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Laurelton NY, Howard University
Kaylan Meaza, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, Fayetteville NC ,North Carolina State University
Origen Monsanto, Rep. David Scott, Marietta GA, Southern Polytechnic State University
Khristopher Nicholas, Rep. Alcee Hastings, Pompano Beach FL, Columbia University
Matthew Norwood, Rep. John Lewis, Atlanta GA, Dartmouth College
Jasmine Omeke, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Chicago IL, Harvard University
Aarrayn Perez, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washington DC, Winston-Salem State University
Brittany Porter Rep., Frederica Wilson, Miami Shores FL, Hampton University
Jeremy Ratcliff, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II Raleigh NC, Livingstone College
Davante Rowe, Rep. Charles Rangel Bronx NY, St. John's University
Program Builds a Cohort to Lead and to Serve
WASHINGTON, DC - The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) recently welcomed 44 undergraduate students and recent graduates from across the country to its Summer Congressional Internship Program. The students will spend the next two months working in a congressional office where they will observe first-hand how the Hill works and legislation is developed. Interns will also create and participate in a summer-long "Model Mock Congress," and create a community action plan that outlines how to bring positive change to their home communities. The group will leave the program as a solid cohort, prepared to lead and to serve.
CBCF created the Congressional Internship Program in 1986 to address the underrepresentation of black professional staff on Capitol Hill. Today, in addition to the Congressional Internship Program, the Foundation has two other internship programs for college students and recent college graduates who are interested in civic engagement, building a career in government and public service. These programs run during the fall and spring semesters. CBCF internship programs are described as one of the top public policy training experience in Washington, D.C.
"CBCF's mission and much of our reputation for success are built on our strong internship program," said Elsie L. Scott, president and chief executive officer of CBCF. "We are known throughout the nation for our competitive, intensive nine-week program that provides a behind-the-scenes look into the democratic process."
Since its inception, more than 1,500 students have participated in Foundation internships. "Our program gives young adults the chance to experience what it is like to be involved in public service," said Dr. Scott. "From working on the Hill to developing and implementing community service projects, to life coaching sessions – all of these opportunities prepare our interns to become civically involved in their communities."
The program is sponsored by Altria, Comcast, Delta Research and Educational Foundation, Hyundai Motor America, New York Life Foundation, Prudential Financial, UPS and Washington Intern Student Housing c/o LM Associates.
AARP Experience Corps mentors, ages 50 and over, who have helped improve literacy rates in D.C. public schools were recently honored at a luncheon where civil rights icon, Congresman John Lewis, was the featured speaker.
Lewis (D-Ga.), 76, shared inspirational stories during his keynote speech at "Planting Seeds for the Next Generation," the May 31 event that honored both volunteer tutors and mentors who've devoted themselves to children and literacy through AARP Experience Corps.
"We have a moral obligation, a mission and a mandate to do what we can to help others," Lewis told the audience that gathered at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church Family Life Center.
"AARP Experience Corps volunteers live out that mandate as they fight to improve literacy rates for children in kindergarten through third grade in the D.C. Public Schools," said Debbie Stiller, director of the District of Columbia Branch of AARP Experience Corps.
Reading levels have improved among fourth-graders in D.C. over the past 10 years, but 56 percent are still reading below a basic level, according to the 2011 Nation's Report Card. By fourth grade, students with strongly grounded reading skills are reading for comprehension and prepared for greater success in life than fourth-graders still struggling to read.
Illiteracy in D.C. stands at nearly 40 percent. AARP Experience Corps' proven literacy program helps children become stronger readers before they finish third grade through the committed work of older volunteers.
Software Engineer, Actuary, HR Manager District'sTop Three Jobs
Tuesday, 05 June 2012 00:38 Published in Local
Carlsbad, CA -- While jobseekers in many U.S. cities battle an unemployment rate of 8 percent or more, those in the nation's capital region are faring well, according to CareerCast.com's new report on the best jobs in the D.C. area.
Job seekers with a degree or experience in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) have little or no trouble finding jobs in the Washington, D.C. market. In fact, with double the number of STEM jobs compared to the national average, the Washington, D.C., region is a true hub for knowledge workers.
"The D.C. region is a goldmine of opportunities for those with mathematical abilities," says Tony Lee, publisher of CareerCast.com. "The federal government plans to spend up to $3.2 billion over the next five years to upgrade its IT infrastructure and migrate to cloud computing and IT opportunities in cyber security and private sector software development are also expected to be strong."
In fact, Software Engineering is already at the forefront of this explosive growth. As government agencies and related businesses update their infrastructures and develop new technologies, Software Engineers will reap the benefits. With a growth rate of 25 percent, Software Engineer is rated the No. 1 job in the region, according to the Jobs Rated rankings. Actuaries (28 percent growth), Mathematicians (16 percent growth) and Statisticians (15 percent growth) also rank among the top-rated jobs in the nation's capital region.
Another best job in the region is Human Resources Manager. Through the year 2020, job growth for HR Managers is expected to be 21 percent, plus the profession has great pay and ideal working conditions.
The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission will resume public hearings on proposed changes to chapters 6 and 8 of Title 31. The hearings will begin at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 6 at the Old Council Chambers, 441 4th Street, NW.
In addition, comments will be taken on a regulation to permanently establish shared riding at Nationals Park, now occurring under an emergency rule.
Previous hearings were held on chapters 6 and 8 in May 2011.
The proposed changes contain a number of performance requirements for drivers of taxicabs. Registration for speaking at this hearing has been extended until 4:30 p.m. June 5.
BSU Announces New Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Friday, 01 June 2012 21:55 Published in Local
Weldon Jackson to Assume Responsibilities on July 8
Weldon Jackson, Ph.D., has been selected as the new provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Bowie State University and will begin serving in that capacity on July 8. Currently special assistant to the president at Morehouse College, Dr. Jackson has more than 27 years of experience in higher education administration.
Jackson has an extensive background in leadership of the academic enterprise, having served as the chief academic officer at both Morehouse and Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York. He was responsible for advancements in the academic and research programs of both institutions and developed numerous initiatives to support student and faculty development.
"I am enormously excited to join the Bowie family," said Jackson. "Bowie State University is an impressive institution with a record of achievement that is well recognized. It is a special privilege to join Dr. Mickey Burnim's exceptional senior leadership team and the outstanding Bowie faculty and staff to continue our pursuit of 'world-class pre-eminence' in higher education."
Deeply passionate about student success, he designed the student success center at Morehouse College and expanded the use of technology in the teaching and learning process, at Manhattan College.
"I am very pleased to have Dr. Jackson assume this critical leadership position as part of my Bowie State University team," said President Mickey L. Burnim. "He brings with him a wealth of experience, character and commitment to help us move Bowie State University to the next level of excellence."
In his new capacity, Jackson will provide direct oversight to the University's academic programs. BSU offers 23 undergraduate majors, 19 master's programs, two doctoral programs and 12 certificate programs organized into the Colleges of Business, Arts and Sciences, Professional Studies, and Education, and the Graduate School. BSU enrolls 5,600 students including 4,400 undergraduate and over 1,200 graduate students.
"I am enormously excited to join the Bowie family," said Dr. Jackson. "Bowie State University is an impressive institution with a record of achievement that is well recognized. It is a special privilege to join Dr. Mickey Burnim's exceptional senior leadership team and the outstanding Bowie faculty and staff to continue our pursuit of 'world-class pre-eminence' in higher education."
Jackson earned his doctorate in government from Harvard University and a bachelor's degree in political science from Morehouse College. Early in his career, Jackson taught at Wellesley College. He and his wife Lorraine have three children.
Featured Poll
ADVERTISMENT
ADVERTISMENT
ADVERTISMENT