Maria José Soto has been crowned Costa Rica’s spelling champion today, beating 22 other finalists.

She’ll travel to Mexico to represent Costa Rica in the Concurso Hispanoaméricano de Ortografía in December.

Maria told La Nacion, “I’m so excited! I never imagined that all I love to read would lead to something so wonderful and allow me to defeat such great competitors. I feel really happy!”

We’re happy for you, too, Maria! And we’re so proud of a national champion coming from our little seaside town! Congratulations, and don’t stop reading!