Nun helps teen prepare for contest

Anoopdeep is the first champion from Canfield since 1949.
By VANESSA SCHUTZ
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD-- Sister Teresa Winsen has the tough job of pronouncing words for Anoopdeep Bal.
"He never misses words of Sikh religion origin," joked Sister Teresa of the Ursuline Center.
Anoopdeep, 13, of Canfield, has been preparing with Sister Teresa, also of Canfield, for the 77th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee which runs Tuesday through Thursday in Washington, D.C. He will compete against 264 other spelling bee champions from grades three through eight from various states, territories and countries.
The two have been working since April, shortly after Anoopdeep finished first among 81 participants in The Vindicator's 71st Regional Spelling Bee.
Anoopdeep, a seventh-grader at Canfield Village Middle School, is the first champion from Canfield since 1949.
To better Anoopdeep's chances in the national competition, his father, Tejinder Bal, contacted Canfield schools Superintendent Dante Zambrini, who indicated that the sisters of the Ursuline Center would be good tutors. Sister Nancy Dawson, the center's executive director, connected the family with Sister Teresa.
"I was hesitant at first but decided to try it out and see," said Sister Teresa. "I was so impressed by Anoopdeep in his self-determination, intelligence and character that I decided to continue."
Spelling success
Sister Teresa, a spelling bee coach veteran, knows what it takes to succeed.
"The list is long to study, but that's what it takes to be a champion," Sister Teresa said.
And on these lists are words like sesquipedalian, xiphiod and ciseaux-- a mouthful for most.
It's these practice lists of words that Anoopdeep regurgitates back to Sister Teresa every Monday and Thursday night during their tutoring sessions. His father and mother, Surjit Bal, are by his side at every session.
"Anoopdeep is an avid reader and all-around student," said Bill Lucarell of Girard, a two-year national spelling bee contestant. "These are the type of students who win the competition."
Anoopdeep remains modest.
"I think I can make it to the fourth round," he said.
Making it to the fourth round would earn Anoopdeep coverage on ESPN as long as he passes the written exam and spells two words correctly.
His family will not need a television to watch the competition -- they will be cheering him on in the audience.
"He has done his best and whatever comes, whether he wins or loses, he's still a winner," his mother said.
Sister Teresa agreed.
"We take pride in our children," she said. "I am confident that Anoopdeep wants to bring honor to Canfield."
Along with honor, Anoopdeep has the opportunity to win cash and various prizes.
What would he spend his winnings on?
"I think I'd buy myself a laptop," Anoopdeep said. "Or maybe an arcade for the basement."
Anoopdeep has the study habits and intelligence to come out on top; he just needs luck and faith on his side, Sister Teresa said.
"All the sisters of the Ursuline Center are behind him," she said. "We will be praying in chapel on that day that the Lord will give him the wisdom and inspiration."
vschutz@vindy.com