Trumbull's Sen. Musto Praises Spelling Bee Winner

(Taken from a press release): The talented students in the band at Bridgeport’s Multicultural Magnet School put on a special show this morning to honor Abram Goda, their classmate and winner of the Hearst Media Services Regional Spelling Bee. State Sen. Anthony Musto (D-Trumbull) and Sen. Andres Ayala (D-Bridgeport) attended the assembly to congratulate Abram and his family, and to deliver a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly applauding his victory.

“Abram is a shining example for his classmates and all students, proving that all goals are attainable if you study and work hard,” said Ayala. “Days like this make me incredibly proud of Bridgeport and all of our students. I am thrilled that Abram will be representing our city as he moves on to compete in DC.”

Abram Goda is one of 53 students from across Connecticut that enrolled in the spelling bee. The 12-year-old speller faced some steep competitors, including his 8-year-old sister Natilie who also made it quite far in the competition. In the sixth and final round of this year’s spelling bee, Abram correctly spelled the word “rubicelle” and was named the winner. Abram and his family immigrated from Kuwait five years ago, and since then he has established himself as an exemplary student who excels in class, music, and of course the spelling bee. This was Abram’s fourth year in a row representing the Multicultural Magnet School in the statewide spelling bee, but his first year to take first place.

“It was touching to see the entire seventh grade at the Multicultural Magnet School come together to support Abram and applaud his victory,” said Musto. “Seeing the pride all these students took in Abram’s victory highlights what a close community there is at this school. Abram should be very proud of what he has accomplished, and his parents should be very proud of raising such a bright and talented young man.”

After hearing from all the guest speakers, Abram himself stood up to thank his classmates, his teachers, the senators, and most of all his parents for supporting him along the way. With the statewide competition behind him, Abram is now studying in preparation for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, to be held in Washington DC in May, where he will compete against representatives from each of the fifty states.