Teen Hopes To Take Vocabulary To A Higher Level

John Oxenreiter said he finds "useless facts really relevant." But knowing the difference between "adverse" and "averse" (the first applies negatively to things, the second, to people) is the kind of wordplay that could help him earn $40,000 toward a higher education saving plan.

Plus, it would be plain cool to win the National Vocabulary Championship. "I took Latin and Greek and honestly, this just fascinates me. Word origins ... I think I naturally gravitate to something like this."

John, 18, and his family, who live in Mt. Lebanon, are scheduled to leave today for a trip to California. The NVC final isn't until Monday in Los Angeles, but the Oxenreiters are going to make a side trip to Santa Barbara first.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08066/862710-55.stm

MLHS' Oxenreiter Wins NVC Pittsburgh Citywide Championship

John Oxenreiter, a 17 year-old senior at Mt. Lebanon Senior High School in Mt. Lebanon, outperformed 94 other local high school vocabulary scholars tonight, winning the NVC Pittsburgh Citywide Championship. As the local champion, Oxenreiter earned $5,000 toward a "529" higher education savings plan and qualifies to compete in the "National Vocabulary Championship" Finals in Los Angeles on March 10.

Link: money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/LAM16414012008-1.htm

Link 2: www.postgazette.com/pg/08015/849342-100.stm

Link 3: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_547735.html