One of the meanings of the word "initiative," according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is the "energy or aptitude displayed in initiation of action."

And not only did Cynthia Liscek, a fourth-grader at Holy Spirit School, show initiative when it was time to practice for the Knights of Columbus Annual Regional Spelling Bee last month, the word itself won her first prize in the contest. Now Liscek will move on to the state championship next month at Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield.

"It's very exciting because Cynthia is our very first first-place winner," Principal Patricia Torchen told Patch. "It's a new experience for us."

Patch spoke with Liscek on Friday about her spelling bee practice regimen, her favorite subjects and her favorite word to spell.

Patch: Congratulations on winning the spelling bee, Cynthia! How did you prepare yourself to compete?

Liscek: Thank you. Well, my dad and I practiced everyday like it was the real thing. He would give me the word and I would say it, spell it and then say it again.

Patch: Are you going to practice that same way for the next spelling bee?

Liscek: Yes.

Patch: Are you nervous at all about the upcoming spelling bee?

Liscek: No.

Mrs. Torchen: Cynthia's a pretty confidant young lady.

Patch: So what are some of your favorite subjects in school?

Liscek: I like handwriting, reading and spelling.

Patch: And what are your favorite books?

Liscek: I love "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" and Judy Blume.

Patch: Me too! Judy Blume was one of my favorites growing up. So what is your favorite word to spell?

Liscek: I like to spell "abstinence."

Patch: And what are some of the things that you like to do when you're not in school?

Liscek: I mostly stay home and help my mom take care of my brother and sister, and do my homework. My friends and I also like to sing and dance together.

Patch: You have a lot of time to think about what you'd like to be when you grow up, but do you have any ideas right now?

Liscek: I want to be an actress on a TV show.

Patch: Great! Do you have any favorite actresses?

Liscek: Not really, I like a lot of them.

Patch: Thank you for speaking with me, Cynthia! And good luck at the state championships!

Liscek: Thank you!