Landing Student to Compete in Spelling Bee Finals

Glen Cove student Joshua Filippone has successfully made it to the Long Island Spelling Bee Final Competition.

Filippone, a fifth grader at , competed in the Long Island semi-finals of the annual Scripps Howard News Service Spelling Bee.

Andy Delgado, a fifth grader at , was also among the intelligent Long Island students who made it to the semi-finals.

Recently, the skilled spellers participated in a timed, written spelling test administered to 97 of Long Island’s best and brightest youths in grades four through eight, according to a Long Island Jewish World press release. At the semi-finals, held at Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School, Filippone was victorious in his spelling endeavors and will compete for the grand prize: a trip to Washington D.C. and the chance to represent Long Island in the National Spelling Bee in May.

“He would get up to the microphone, turn toward the person giving the word, and stand very relaxed,” explained his father, Daniel, of his spelling procedure. “The winning word was ‘monstrosity.’”

At the age of four, Joshua was given a book to read. As he grew in age, so did the books’ level of difficulty, leading to a profound interest in reading as a whole.

“He was always so curious,” said his father. “Now, he corrects me.”

Filippone’s talents, however, are not limited to spelling. He also scored a 100 percent on a recent Math Olympiad competition. The exam was taken by top math students around the world and he obtained a perfect grade, according to the school newsletter.

His achievements are, perhaps, derived from his strong interest in math and science, which are his favorite subjects in school.

“I used to go outside and look at interesting insects,” said Filippone. “I wanted to be an entomologist, a scientist that studies insects. Now, I’d probably like to be someone who works with amphibians.”

Filippone also plays the cello and drums and has participated in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Conference and the All-County Music Festival, held at C.W. Post, for vocals.

Even with such a busy schedule, Filippone said he does have some spare time with which he loves to read, especially books about science.

The young student said he is excited to be competing in the spelling bee finals, and is not nervous at all.

“The school has an exceptional staff,” said Filippone’s father regarding Landing Elementary. “It’s a very family-oriented school.”

His parents thank his fifth grade teacher, Mr. Smith, who creates an environment of “learning and having fun at the same time.”

“We are very proud of Joshua's achievements,” said his mother, Maria. “We also, as  parents, extend our thanks to the Landing School, Dr. Israel, teachers and staff  for the outstanding work they do for our children.”

The championship rounds of the Long Island Spelling Bee will be held Thursday, March 10, at Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School. The bee will begin at 5 p.m.