IRVING, Texas - An Irving ISD elementary school student earned national recognition after placing 14th in the country at the National Spanish Spelling Bee held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Michelle Rodríguez, a student at Farine Elementary School, qualified for the national competition after finishing sixth at the Texas State Spanish Spelling Bee, where she competed against 47 students from across the state.
Irving ISD was represented by two students at the national competition. Amalia Castillo of Travis Middle School also earned a spot after qualifying through the state competition.
Although it was Rodríguez's first appearance at the national event, she said she entered the competition prepared despite feeling nervous.
"Before starting the competition, I felt nervous, but I felt ready," said Rodríguez, who will begin fifth grade at Farine Elementary this school year.
Preparing for the competition required months of study. Rodríguez used books and educational apps to expand her Spanish vocabulary and practice difficult words.
The experience fulfilled a longtime goal.
"I always dreamed about competing at the national level," Rodríguez said. "Your dreams can always come true."
She encouraged other students interested in competing to believe in themselves and stay committed to preparing.
"Don't be scared and don't be nervous," she said. "I would tell them to work hard because this isn't like a regular competition. You have to do your part."
Rodríguez's mother said her daughter's dedication throughout the summer made the accomplishment especially meaningful.
"I'm most proud of her hard work and dedication to studying, even when she just wanted to play and be outside like other kids during summer break," she said. "She gave up that time because she wanted to prepare for the competition."
She added that her daughter's success was the result of her own determination.
"Ninety percent of this was her hard work," she said. "Michelle only had a coach for the state competition. As her parents, we helped her study, but she was the one who learned the words and stayed committed every day. This achievement was truly her own."
Irving ISD said Rodríguez's top-15 national finish highlights the perseverance, discipline and academic excellence demonstrated by students throughout the district.
