Turlock Unified School District student Jovan Hundal is no stranger when it comes to competition.  For a second consecutive year, he won the Elementary Spelling Championship on Wednesday, beating out 89 students from Stanislaus County. He will advance to the 2013 State Elementary Spelling Bee, scheduled for April 20 in Stockton.

Jovan, a sixth grader at Julien Elementary, will compete against 59 other fourth through sixth graders from 31 counties in California who have been certified as champions by their respective county superintendents. 

“I had high expectations this time around,” said Jovan.  “Last year I came in fourth at the State Spelling Bee and I have high hopes for a better outcome.”

The spelling bee championship is a chance for top students across the state to showcase their knowledge and talent and put their preparation to the test as they compete for the title of the state’s best spelling student.

Joven said that he studied every day to prepare for the spelling bee — using the dictionary and lists of commonly misspelled words to better his spelling skills.

“I read all the time,” said Joven.  “I pick up on words with little difficulty and manage to memorize words that are of importance to me.”

Joven’s favorite subjects at school are math, history, science —  and spelling of course. His favorite activities include reading, playing basketball and soccer. He would like to become a lawyer when he grows up. In the summer he enjoys taking classes at Modesto Junior College, which he strongly recommends to other children. For young spellers he suggests they read above grade level spelling books.

Joven’s mother Preet Hundal couldn’t be happier for her son’s success.

“We always tell our son to do his best at everything he does,” said Preet Hundal.  “That’s all we ask from him.  We are extremely proud of him.”