By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Karen Castillo, an 8th grade student of Seventh Day Adventist, topped the 2007 Elementary Spelling Bee held at the Bai Ra Chamayong on Saturday night Feb. 17 presented by Didil Belau, Inc.
The 14-year old Castillo was one of 65 contestants from nine different schools in Palau, including eight from her own school.
Castillo’s schoolmate Andrew Ridep settled for third place behind second placer Dizzette Dolmers of George B. Harris.
"I am just happy," Castillo thus said as she embraced her champion’s trophy.
But more importantly, Castillo has earned the right to represent Palau in the 2007 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee to be held on March 3 at the Marianas Ballroom of Hilton Guam Resort and Spa.
The winner in Guam will compete in the US capital of Washington D.C. within the year.
It was her second time to compete in the annual event, placing sixth overall last year.
Her final clincher was the word quarantine, letting Attorney General Everett Walton to pronounce twice before she spelled it correctly.
Dolmers and Ridep needed three rounds before the former emerged second on the word hilarity.
"I am feeling great. This is my first time to compete," said the 6th grader, 11-year old Dolmers whose favorite subjects are Math, English and Science.
Ridep’s first try in this competition two years ago when he was in 6th grade but couldn’t remember his placing.
Last year’s champion was Kenneth Abrajano of GB Harris while Ongelibel Remengesau was second.
The main sponsors for this year’s contest are Shell Company-Palau, Palau Mortuary Services, WCTC, DFS Galleria and The Taj Restaurant.
Mrs. Tua Tmetuchl welcomed the participants and guests while Dr. Emery Wenty, Director of Education, awarded the prizes for the winners.
The Judges were Rachel Walton, Carol Emaurois, Heidi Quinn and Rmeriang TST.
The different schools participated and students who competed are the following:
SDA – Jerosh Reuel Capobres, Tamara Johanes, Andrew Ridep, Karen Castillo, Tatekoi Felix, Jason Seid, Ginee Ikeya, Koting Chang;
GBH – Jonellyn Takisang, Dizzette Dolmers, Rubasch Nadja, Kezia Brel, Moio Siang, Aphra-El Uchel, Evan Fritz, Alzena Aldrin;
Koror – Bibek Twati, Jennifer Wiley, Charity Chiokai, Deliaur Kumaichi, Marli Klass, Rosania Olegeriil, Darla Babauta, Meangeldi Azuma, Lesje Tulop, Omeida Takeshi;
Aimeliik – Bethany Reklai, Ingeang Ngitong, Dixon Dingelius, Isechal Ngitong, Rushlyn Ngiraremiang, Latoya Ngirngetrang, Mimokl Olkeriil, Rodman Teltull, Renita Lomax, Sachiko Akiwo;
Peleliu – Terrence Ngwal, Akuila Smau, Marissa Olikong, Isechal Ngitong, Kalene Masaharu, Ciera Sbal;
Maris Stella – Klei Dismas, Ongelibel Remengesau, Telbakes Yano, Ucheliou Filibert, Melanie Esang, Karl Baysa;
Ngardmau – Jalaila Tkel, Sherson Sherman, Marione Gibbons;
Melekeok – Vanily William, Komelia Thomas, Iwekei Gates;
Ngeremlengui – Leolin Tellei, Deewen Shiro, Sidney Franz, Keith B. Chin, Desaree Ngirusong, Misrose Roland, Sylvia Nakamura, Remeldil Hainrick, Dexter Decherong, Elton Osiik, Michael Lukas.