Greek Orthodox Student from California to Participate in Scripps National Spelling Bee

Marika Fox, a 13-year old student in the eighth grade at Saint Nicholas School in Northridge, CA participated in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. from May 31 – June 2, 2011. Marika not only won the spelling bee at her school, but was also named the winner for and was representing Los Angeles County. She has been attending Saint Nicholas School which is part of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, CA since 2005. Marika successfully participated in the preliminary competition of the 2011 Scripps National Spelling Bee but did not advance to the semi-final or championship rounds. Forty-one students did advance to the finals, and Marika was in a 234th way tie for 42nd place.

Marika is the daughter of Fr. Haralambos and Presvytera Joann Fox, with her father currently serving as Proistamenos of Saints Constantine and Helen Church in Lancaster, CA. She enjoys celebrating her Greek heritage by learning Greek dance, where her group recently won first place in the Metropolis of San Francisco Folk Dance and Choral Festival. Marika is a member of her school and church choirs and takes flute lessons.

When she isn’t busy dancing, singing and playing the flute, Marika enjoys doing arts and crafts, camping with her Girl Scout troop and reading. Her favorite book is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Marika’s favorite school subject is math and she hopes to pursue a career as a math teacher. Marika has represented Saint Nicholas School for the past three years in the Los Angeles County Spelling Bee. She did not reach the finals in her first year, and in 2010 Marika placed third in the Los Angeles County Spelling Bee.