History made as PSJA ISD sends first students to state Spanish spelling bee
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Two elementary students from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD earned a spot to compete at the state Spanish spelling bee. It's the first time the district has students participate.
Beleny Rodríguez, a fourth grader at Doedyns Elementary, and Mateo Salinas, a fifth grader at Chávez Elementary, are preparing for the State Torneo de Ortografía set for June.
"I'm very excited, and I'm very proud of myself because I got all this way," Rodríguez said.
"I'm really excited to be representing the valley," Salinas said.
The pair is spending hours a day practicing both in and out of the classroom.
"I picked up some new words, and I'm practicing them," Salinas said.
For Rodríguez, the Spanish spelling bee is about more than just winning.
"I just like to learn more about the Spanish language," Rodríguez said. "And if I'm in this club, I can just learn how to spell and pronounce more words in Spanish."
Both students are part of PSJA ISD's dual language program, where they learn in both English and Spanish. The program focuses on bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural pride.
"Spanish is actually my first language because I'm Hispanic and my mom and dad are from Mexico," Rodríguez said.
Fidencio Camacho, language and culture specialist for PSJA ISD, credits the students' coaches for helping them reach this level.
"And these students practice almost every single day with their coaches in spelling out the words," Camacho said.
Educators say this goes beyond a competition.
"It's for our students to be able to sustain their language, right, their native language or Spanish so that way they can be compatible and competitive in the workforce," Camacho said.
As they prepare for state, both students hope to inspire others.
"Just work hard, try your best, and just believe in yourself," Rodríguez said.
"You can do it - don't doubt yourselves," Salinas said.
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