“These kids were in essence getting lost in terms of having things to do after school,” Campos said. “Most of their families are working, so they would either walk home alone or just hang out somewhere. The program started because there was an overarching concern about the safety of these kids in their neighboring communities.”
Thirteen-year-old Silvina Zamorano, who will participate in tonight’s competition, has been a part of the All Stars program for three years. This is her last year with the All Stars, as the program ends when she goes on to high school. “(The teachers) treat me like a little sister,” she said of the program.“They take care of me.”
Zamorano volunteered to enter tonight’s spelling bee to learn new words and plans to buy school supplies with the gift card if she wins. She has been studying a vocabulary list for a week in preparation, although she feels fairly confident about her chances.
“Some of the words are really easy,” she said of her study list.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 19, 2008. Read the original PDF.