On March 23, 2013 Mike Torikai from the 2nd Grade of the international course represented Gyosei International Junior High School in the fourth annual Japan Times Spelling Bee.
The competition was very tough, with 43 of the best spellers in the country gathered together at the Nifco Hall in the Japan Times Building to compete for the grand prize of an all-expenses paid trip to Washington DC to represent Japan in America’s most revered spelling bee. Mike looked nervous before the competition but his expression turned from one of nerves to one of focus and determination once the competition had started. He breezed through the warm-up round, spelling the word ‘Gourmet’ with no problem at all. However in a subsequent round the seldom used ‘Brackish’ saw an end to Mike’s first National Spelling Bee experience. Nevertheless Mike and his family had a great time at the event and Mike is hoping to represent the school again in next year’s competition. We wish him the best of luck.
(中2Ｉの鳥飼真郁君がジャパンタイムズスペリング・ビーに参加しました)
