Neptune eighth-grader ready to spell success at Scripps National Spelling Bee

NEPTUNE - Widley "Laura" Joseph, 13, could hardly believe it when she won the regional spelling bee representing Neptune Middle School.

"When they gave me the word, I was like, 'Oh my God, I know how to spell this!'" she said.

Her winning word was "Vadan," a Persian word for the mouth, face and/or countenance.

Now, thanks to that win, the eighth grader is preparing for her next challenge - the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

So is she nervous about competing on a national stage? "Not really," she said. "I always dreamed of winning the nationals."

The Scripps National Spelling Bee will take place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland with preliminary competition starting May 30 and finals on June 1.

"I can't describe (winning). I would just be like so happy. I don't even know how to put it into words," Joseph said, adding she plans to compete in other academic competitions with any prize money going to her mother.

More: Deep cuts to NJ school funding could be partially reduced

According to Scripps National Spelling Bee records, New Jersey has had two national champions since the competition began in 1925. They are Katharine Close of Asbury Park, who won in 2006, and Shruthika Padhy of Cherry Hill, who won in 2019.

This year, about 230-235 students will compete at nationals.

"We are very proud of her hard work and her tenacity," said Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent of Schools.

"Apparently, Laura was studying 30 minutes every night to prepare for the competition, and that in the life of an adolescent is hard. It is really difficult to manage your activities, your homework and family responsibilities," Crader said.

"Now, she is trying to carve out an hour now so she can study," Crader said.

"She is going to have all kinds of educational experiences and she is going to be with her family, and she is going to compete against people from all over the world and she already won against 12 other kids in the region. So, this is just a win-win for everybody."

More: This convenience store chain joining Aldi grocery coming to old Neptune Coca-Cola plant

Board of Education President Chanta L. Jackson, an alumnus of the Neptune School District, added, "We are Scarlet Flier proud of Laura's accomplishments."

"This is just one example of the phenomenal things that are happening in our school district," Jackson said. "We are really excited."

Charles Daye is the metro reporter for Asbury Park and Neptune, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. @CharlesDayeAPP Contact him: CDaye@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Neptune NJ student heading to Scripps National Spelling Bee