SENATOR NOZZOLIO HONORS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE FINALIST WITH NEW YORK STATE LIBERTY AWARD

Seneca Falls- New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio recently visited the Seneca Falls Middle School to recognize seventh grade student, Neetu Chandak, on her success in reaching the final round of the 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee championship held in Washington, D.C.

Senator Nozzolio met with Neetu to learn firsthand about her participation in the National Spelling Bee and visited with her fellow classmates, coaches and teachers. He presented Neetu with a New York State Senate Liberty Award for her outstanding performance at the Scripps championship. Neetu was also honored with a special New York State Legislative Resolution which was sponsored by Senator Nozzolio and Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, who was a part of the ceremony.

“As a State Senator, I believe very strongly that our young people will become the leaders of tomorrow and one of the greatest privileges I have is to recognize and honor a student like Neetu who exemplifies the highest standard of academic excellence and personal achievement,” said Senator Nozzolio. “It is important that we acknowledge Neetu’s great potential and accomplishment, as well as the support of her teachers, her coaches and most of all her parents, Mahesh and Sue Chandak.”

Neetu was one of 11 spellers nationwide who advanced to the final round. The competition started with 293 spellers, the largest number in the history of the event. This year marked Neetu’s third consecutive appearance in the finals of the Scripps championship, the most prestigious spelling bee in the nation.

Pictured left to right are: Kevin Rhinehart, Seneca Falls Middle School Principal; Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb; Mahesh Chandak, Neetu's father; Neetu Chandak; Senator Mike Nozzolio; Robert McKeveny, Seneca Falls Central School District Superintendent.

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