Countdown To The 2013 Regional Spelling Bee

Posted: February 27, 2013

Amber Williams
Ariana Williams
Editor’s Note: This is the 11th and 12th of 20 profiles of the contestants in the 2013 Regional Spelling Bee sponsored by the Rockingham District Ruritans and co-sponsored by the Daily News-Record and public television station WVPT. The bee will be held at the WVPT studios in Harrisonburg on Saturday. Each day, we will introduce the spellers competing for a spot in this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Amber Williams

School: Luray Middle

Grade: Eighth

Age: 14

Born in: Luray

Currently lives in: Luray

Parents: Renea and Ronnie Williams

Winning or, if runner-up, misspelled word in district bee: Sasquatch (spelled correctly but did not capitalize)

Favorite subject: Music. “Because I have an amazing teacher who makes learning songs exciting.”

Career goals: Doctor. “Because I have a strong interest in the medical field.”

Hobbies: Playing the flute and piano, running cross country and drawing.

Favorite book or author: The “Halo” trilogy series by Alexandra Adornetto.

Spelling secrets: “Before I spell a word, I try to visualize and spell it in my head.”

Interesting facts: “I collect four-leaf clovers and have over 100.”

Anything else you’d like to say to DN-R readers: “I’m glad to be doing the spelling bee for my final year and I want to thank everyone who has supported me.”



Ariana Williams

School: Luray Middle

Grade: Seventh

Age: 12

Born in: Luray

Currently lives in: Luray

Parents: Renea and Ronnie Williams

Winning or, if runner-up, misspelled word in district bee: Gargoyle (spelled correctly)

Favorite Subject: GT (Gifted and Talented Program).  “We get to do fun projects and Mrs. Litten is really nice!”

Career Goals: Makeup artist. “I like to do makeup on myself during my free time and it’s fun!”

Hobbies: Drama, jewelry making, stage makeup, taking pictures.

Favorite book or author: “Whisper,” by Alyson Noël.

Spelling Secrets: “Study, study, study! That’s the key to winning.”

Interesting Facts: “I know lots of weird facts, such as: Marilyn Monroe had six toes, and peanuts are an ingredient in dynamite.”