Verona Fourth Grader Headed to State Spelling Bee

Verona-Cedar Grove Patch is pleased to announce this week's Whiz Kid: Nicole Volpe of Verona.

Nicole, a 4th Grade student at F.N. Brown Elementary School, is an accomplished speller. She recently placed third in the annual Verona Spelling Bee, and placed third in the New Jersey Federation of Women’s Club Junior Membership Regional-Level Spelling Bee for the Central Region that took place on Feb. 26 in Kearny. This Saturday, Nicole will compete in the State Bee, which will be held at 2 p.m. at the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs Headquarters in New Brunswick.

Nicole says her love of reading has played a role in her spelling abilities. Last year, Nicole and her team, The Reading Strikers, won first place in the Verona Battle of the Books competition, a program designed to encourage reading and recognize students who enjoy reading.

Nicole is an avid reader who, as her mother, Michele, says, “Can’t get her hands on enough reading material.”

Nicole’s favorite subject in school is art, and in her spare time, she likes to draw and play video games. Her accomplishments don't stop in the classroom, however. She also has taken a year of acoustic guitar lessons and has developed a recent interest in learning to play the flute.

Even though this musician and artist has always done well academically and in spelling, she still studies the practice word lists provided every night.

Nicole says she is excited just to make it to the State Bee, and would be happy if she made it to the final three. If she places, Nicole and her family will celebrate at her favorite restaurant.

“I have always been proud of Nicole in all her accomplishments, but placing in these two spelling bees and representing our town makes it extra special,” says Michele.

No matter the outcome of Saturday’s competition, Nicole plans to participate in the Annual Verona Spelling Bee next year.

The NJSFWC-JM State Spelling Bee

NJSFWC Headquarters, 55 Labor Center Way, New Brunswick

March 12, 2011 at 2 p.m.

To learn more about the State Spelling Bee, visit the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs of GFWC - Junior Membership’s website, or email education@jerseyjuniors.com.

If you would like to nominate a Whiz Kid, email chris.nesi@patch.com and tell us all about him/her!