Student wins Spanish short story contest

Eric Fincher, staff writer

ANGEL FIRE — Moreno Valley High School freshman Mandie Capozzelli recently took first place in the “Tell me a Story” contest sponsored by the University of New Mexico Center for Latin American Resources and Outreach, The Spanish Ministry of Education and the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Contestants descended upon Albuquerque Wednesday, April 23 for the Spanish short-story contest. There were more than 240 students representing 21 schools. Capozzelli didn’t make the meeting in Albuquerque, but she was still given the award in communications.
“I just think this is fantastic, not only for our school but for the whole state of New Mexico.” Linda Colenda, MVHS Spanish teacher, said. “When I first met Mandie, I knew she had a knack for languages. Plus, she is very motivated.”
According to Colenda, Mandie has only been studying Spanish since August 2007. “In my class, we read stories, and listen to and write stories,” Colenda said. “Most people who have been studying Spanish for such a short time would have difficulty writing a 500-word piece in Spanish, much less having it make sense.”
Capozzelli, a typical blonde teenage girl, who would look at home in any southern California beach town, speaks Spanish with the fluidity of someone who has spoken the language all their life. According to Capozzelli, it all comes easy to her.
“I never took Spanish before so I’m pretty happy I’ve picked it up so quickly,” Capozzelli said during a phone interview. “I have a good memory so I tend to memorize things.”
Capozzelli plans to enter the contest again next year when she is a sophomore. If she wins again, she will have the opportunity to study in Spain. She also wants to spend some time during her junior year as an exchange student in Spain.
“Since I’m in the ninth grade, I couldn’t win the trip to Spain,” Capozzelli said.
According to Capozzelli, no one in her family speaks, reads, or writes Spanish.
Capozzelli submitted a 500-word original short story in Spanish in a competition against other non-native Spanish speaking sixth to ninth graders. Other categories in the competition include native Spanish speakers, sixth to ninth graders; native Spanish speakers, sophomores to seniors; and non-native Spanish speakers, sophomores to seniors.
For winning first place, Capozzelli received several children’s books in Spanish, a Spanish/English dictionary and a $50 gift certificate from Barnes and Noble.
Those wishing to hear Capozzelli’s story, along with others from the MVHS Spanish class, will have the opportunity Thursday, May 8 at the Angel Fire Community Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.