Cleveland's own Anamika Veeramani won the 2010 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
14 year old Anamika lives in North Royalton and goes to school at Incarnate Word Academy in Parma Heights.
People who never imagined they would watch a spelling bee found themselves nervously pacing the floor as Anamika and the others competed that Friday night. We all seemed much more nervous than Anamika.
Anamika bested 273 other contestants when she correctly spelled "stromuhr" - meaning an instrument for measuring the speed of flowing blood.
Spelling Coach Janice Hearst, Incarnate Word teachers and Anamika's mother Malar
Of course her parents Alagaiya and Malar Veeramani, Janice Hearst, her teacher since the 4th grade and her classmates are proud of her accomplishment. But Anamika's calm and competent approach made fans of the entire region.
The Indian American community is especially and rightfully proud and they have demonstrated this by greeting Anamika at the airport and other events and recognitions.
Anamika Veeramani and family
The Federation of India Community Associations (FICA) hosted a dinner tribute at the Saffron Patch restaurant on June 27, 2010.
FICA Board of Trustees and Officers
After a social hour, Venky Venkatesh, past-president of FICA, began the program.
His daughter Mahima sang a prayer.
Mahima Venkatesh singing
This was followed by Sudarshan Sathe who spoke of Anamika's "stunning intellectual achievement" and recited a Sanskrit message how "a scholar is respected everywhere."
Sudarshan Sathe
North Royalton Mayor Robert A. Stefanik then congratulated Anamika. July 2010 is Anamika Veeramani month in North Royalton.
North Royalton Mayor Robert Stefanik
Janice Hearst, Anamika's coach since 4th grade, spoke next. She stressed the importance of family and an environment of learning in her remarks.
Anamika Veeramani's spelling coach Janice Hearst
Then Ohio State Representatives Matt Patten and Jay P. Goyal honored Anamika with a proclamation.
Ohio State Representatives Jay Goyal and Matt Patten honor Anamika Veeramani
FICA Founder Dr Mohan Bafna and current president Mona Alag then honored the 2010 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion.
Dr. Mohan Bafna, Mona Alag and Anamika Veeramani
Anamika then thanked her family, friends and supporters.
The evening ended with sumptuous Saffron Patch buffet and more social time.
Anamika Veeramani and Mahima Venkatesh
Dr Gita Gidwani and Anamika Veeramani
Joe Thomas and Mona Alag
Mahima Venkatesh, State Rep Matt Patten and Venky Venkatesh
Subodh Chadra and State Rep Jay Goyal
Dr Mohan Bafna and Anamika Veeramani
Kul Busan, Dr. Mohan Bafna and Mona Alag
Mayor Robert Stefanik and Anamika Veeramani
Venky Venkatesh and Sudarshan Sathe
K Paramanandam, Mona and Harjit Alag
Mayor Stefanik, Rep Patten with Anamika and family
Mahima Venkatesh and Anamika Veeramani
It is reported that Anamika takes private lessons in violin, Indian classical music, dance, and golf. She has won several regional and national awards in science, math, essay-writing, and vocabulary contests. Anamika aspires to attend Harvard Medical School, where she hopes to specialize in cardiovascular surgery. She would like to author books in her spare time.
Anamika Veeramani and FICA President Mona Alag
We believe she can achieve whatever she puts her mind to.
Congratulations Anamika (and to your family and teachers)
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