On June 7, Fairfax County Supervisor Dan Stork (D) and his team stocked shelves and unboxed items, assisted clients, and had fun at United Community's food bank for their spring volunteer day. Do you want to volunteer, too? Visit https://www.unitedcommunity.org/volunteer/ for volunteer opportunities.

Ankita Balaji of Rachel Carson Middle school won the 2024 Fairfax County Spelling Bee Champion, sending her to the Scripps Spelling Bee.

 Community News at a Glance

Two Local Students Compete in Scripps Spelling Bee 2024

One made history as the first Uyghur American to participate in the event.

The Fairfax County Council of PTAs sponsored two county spellers to the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee, Chantilly Pinnacle Academy student Nargiza Muzhapaer and Fairfax County Public School student Ankita Balaji of Rachel Carson Middle School.

Nargiza reached the semifinals at the 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee held two weeks ago at Gaylord National Resort. She was the first Uyghur American to participate.

Nargiza said she was extremely nervous about the national spelling bee, “From the first round to my last, the waiting and anticipation beforehand was unbearable." Nargiza said the spellers' camaraderie, "who all shared the same rollercoaster of emotions," calmed her and boosted her microphone confidence. "I knew that it wasn't just me going through this; we were all in it together."

Nargiza prepared for the spelling bee by studying word patterns and origins, using spelling software, and having her mother quiz her. She's preparing for next year, but wants "to have fun with the process."

Nargiza's mother, Zohra Musabay, was "absolutely overjoyed" when her daughter reached the national spelling bee semi-finals. "This milestone is not only a testament to her hard work and dedication ... it fills our hearts with immense pride to see her represent our community on such a significant platform." Musabay praised supporters and hoped her daughter's success would inspire other young Uyghur Americans.

Ankita Balaji of Rachel Carson, MS, is the 2024 Fairfax County Spelling Bee Champion, and she competed in the 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee, following in the footsteps of her older sister, Ashita.  Carson Middle School Principal Gordon Stokes said, “We are incredibly proud of Ankita. Her accomplishment is proof that hard work can pay off with a wonderful experience. She did an excellent job of representing herself, her family, and the RCMS community." Before Anika got to the national spelling bee, she  explained she wanted  to  “take it all in.” 

“I will look at where I am and look at how far I’ve come and just feel really happy,” she said.

Ankita was eliminated in Round 4, finishing in 60th place (tied).