Hard Work and Preparation Spell Success for Local Elementary Student
Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided
Isabella Reis, a fourth-grader at Oak Trace Elementary School, recently won the school’s spelling bee, and says she learned a lot from the competition.
She won the spelling bee through hard work and intense preparation.
Isabella notes that the competition was tough but ultimately rewarding. She says she learned a lot about herself during the spelling bee. 
“The Oak Trace spelling bee was a very nerve-racking experience,” Isabella says. “I can still remember the feeling of butterflies in my stomach fading away when I won. Although this was my first spelling bee, and it was quite scary, I still had a very good and fun time.”
Isabella credits her teachers for helping her before and during the competition. They also gave her the confidence to keep moving forward in a positive direction.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity that Oak Trace Elementary has given me, and for the support and encouragement from all the amazing teachers at Oak Trace,” Isabella says.
After her win at the school, Isabella went on to compete in a regional competition. She competed against older students at the event.
“I competed next in the regional Scripps Spelling Bee, which was held at IUPUI,” Isabella says. “It was a scary, interesting, yet exciting experience competing with eighth-graders.”
Isabella is already gearing up for more spelling bees in the future and is looking forward to the new challenges they will pres
ent.
She is already a strong reader and loves books.
“The thing I like best about spelling bees is that I get to expand my vocabulary, which is always still growing, and makes reading even more enjoyable,” Isabella says. “I also enjoy the suspenseful and intense feeling you get as the competition goes on.”
Spelling bees also help students develop better communication skills and increase self-confidence.
Isabella’s dad, Alex Weis, says Isabella put a lot of hard work into preparing for the spelling bees.
“She reviewed a very long spelling list before the spelling bee and really studied,” Alex says. “She has always been a big reader and that has also really helped her become a better speller. Isabella did very well during the spelling bees and took her time to do a great job.”
Isabella’s mom, Celine Weis, says Isabella is a very busy and active student. Isabella says she enjoys being involved in a lot of different activities.
“The other student activities I’m involved in are Math Bowl, choir, Spell Bowl and taekwondo,” Isabella says.
Isabella thoroughly loves living in Westfield and enjoys the positive atmosphere in the community.
“The thing I like most about Westfield is the people,” Isabella says. “I find everyone friendly and kind. I am also very fond of everyone in my school.”
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