LIHU‘E — Athena Abadilla became a “viable” representative of the Kaua‘i Area Complex Tuesday night, joining Emily Threlkeld in representing Kaua‘i at the state spelling bee March 24. “Viability” was the correct word which catapaulted the 8th grade student from
LIHU‘E — Athena Abadilla became a “viable” representative of the Kaua‘i Area Complex Tuesday night, joining Emily Threlkeld in representing Kaua‘i at the state spelling bee March 24.
“Viability” was the correct word which catapaulted the 8th grade student from St. Theresa School in Kekaha to the top of the Kaua‘i District Spelling Bee hosted at the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School.
Trelkeld, an 8th grade student at Island School, finished in the runner-up position, the top two spellers advancing to the state bee.
“I’m so glad I get the honor to represent Kaua‘i, again,” Athena said in an email. “The one thing which motivated me to study hard and win was the fact my sister, Natasha, had two spelling bee trophies and went to the state bee, twice.”
During 2010 Kaua‘i District Spelling Bee, Athena earned her first honor, but was absent in the 2011 bee when St. Theresa School did not participate in the event.
“It is funny because I think my parents, Susana and Dan Abadilla, and Natasha were more nervous than I was,” Athena said. “I really think God was on my side, and oh, if you haven’t noticed, I wore the same black-and-white plaid jacket I wore the first time I won the spelling bee — just for good luck.”
Athena also plays for the Kaulupono girls basketball team coached by Bobby Kamakele which is currently involved with the county’s youth winter league for students in grades six through eight. The girls play on Mondays and Saturdays.
