By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

PAULINE Lydia M. Manglona, the 8th grade Rota student who won the 2007 Regional Scripps Spelling Bee on Guam, will fly to Washington, D.C. in May for the national competition.
The 13-year-old student from Eskulan San Francisco De Borja School on Rota will be accompanied by her parents, Sen. Paul A. Manglona, R-Rota, and Lydia Manglona.
The National Spelling Bee will be held from May 27 to June 1.
Pauline Lydia M. Manglona bested 69 public and private elementary and middle school students from Guam, Palau and the Northern Marianas in the regional competition.
Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, D-Saipan, has prefiled a resolution recognizing Pauline Manglona’s victory.
The senator said the Rota student will serve “as an ambassador for the CNMI while she showcases her talent at the 80th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.”
According to the resolution, “Ms. Pauline Lydia M. Manglona is an outstanding student who strives for academic excellence as well as excellence in extracurricular activities…. The Senate of the 15th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature would like to proudly recognize the CNMI’s best speller for 2007….a role model for all students in the CNMI.”
The Senate is scheduled to hold a session on Thursday.