Alcantara, a sixth grader at William S. Reyes Elementary School, has been joining the competition since third grade but this was the first time he won the regional competition, which included the best spellers of the CNMI, Guam and Palau.
It was the first time that a CNMI Public School System student won the regional Spelling Bee.
“I came from a family of achievers and hardworkers. I appreciate the hardships of my mom and dad. They are my inspiration,” he said.
The 11-year-old said he knows how his father gets tired from work and how his mother gets exhausted from housework and these motivated him to study hard.
Alcantara said he tirelessly studied from January until the day of the competition.
“My hardwork paid off, but I still need to study harder and diligently for the national competition on June 2,” he said.
WSR principal Lynette Villagomez expressed her gratitude to the boy’s family.
“WSR is ecstatic for [Alcantara’s] success and his success is a cause for celebration for the whole Public School System,” she said.
Alcantara’s victory shows that PSS is producing students who meet the demands of the 21st century, she added.
The Rotary Club of Guam, for its part, said “they are very pleased and honored to congratulate the winners of this year’s competition.”
Alcantara said he is also grateful to his teachers, especially Claire Barcinas, for continuously supporting and educating him.
Asked what his message is to his fellow PSS students, he said: “I want you to also study hard and to try your best in anything you do. I want you to explore your skills.”
