In a recent government meeting, the City Council recognized Rishabh Saha, a student from Crookshank Middle School, for his impressive achievement of placing 7th in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The event, which took place in Washington D.C., featured 245 top spellers from across the country, and Saha's performance has garnered significant pride and recognition for the city.

During the meeting, Saha expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his family, teachers, and principal, Mr. Garst, who played a crucial role in enabling his participation in the competition. He described the experience as enlightening and emphasized the importance of learning and personal growth throughout the process, despite the inherent stress of the competition.

Joyce Dale, representing Senator Caballero's office, also commended Saha, stating that the senator and her team were cheering him on throughout the event. Dale highlighted the impact of Saha's achievement on the community, noting that he has put Merced on the map through his success.

The meeting also included a segment for public communications, where members of the public were invited to speak on various matters. The council received multiple emails and voicemails regarding agenda items, indicating active community engagement in local governance.

Overall, the meeting showcased not only a celebration of academic excellence but also the importance of community support in fostering young talent.