Analisa Dawson Spells Trouble For Spelling Bee ContestantsFebruary 29th, 2008
By Linda Kor
Twelve-year-old Analisa Dawson is not only very bright, she’s also very modest. The home-schooled seventh grader is the winner of the Navajo County Spelling Bee held Feb. 13 in Holbrook, where she com-peted against 57 of the county’s top spellers.
When asked if she found the experience a challenge, Analisa just shrugged. “It wasn’t very difficult,” she said, “but I think I was just lucky and got all of the easy words.”
Although that appears doubtful, Analisa isn’t taking any chances as she prepares to move on to the state spelling bee, which will be held on Saturday, March 29, at Arizona State University’s Channel 8-KAET studio. According to her mother, Victoria Dawson, Analisa studies an average of two hours every day. She reads and spells words from 700 sheets of words provided by the National Spelling Bee. “She really wants to make it to the nationals, she’s completely dedicated,” said her mother.
The Dawsons moved to Holbrook from St. George, Utah, just four months ago when Analisa’s father, Robert Dawson, was hired at the North Country Community Health Clinic as a physician’s assistant. Analisa is one of six children in her family and her mother home-schools each of them.
“We’ve had to make some sacrifices in order for me to be at home with the kids, but it’s been worth every bit of it,” stated Victoria.
While it’s obvious that Analisa is a gifted speller, she’s gifted in many other ways. She does well in school, plays the violin, piano and flute, studies Latin and is an avid reader.
“She began reading the Harry Potter series when she was six. She’s always loved reading,” noted her mother.
Analisa already is making plans way beyond the spelling bee. Once she graduates from high school, she plans to attend Brigham Young University to study music and marine biology.
Mikaela Decker, a fourth grader attending Snowflake Elementary School, took second in the county bee and Jack Lasonder, a fifth grader attending Blue Ridge Elementary School in Lakeside, was third.
 Photo by Linda Kor
Analisa Dawson of Holbrook exhibits the trophy she received as the Navajo County Spelling Bee champion.
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