Almost 160 SCS students in Grades 3-8 took a written spelling test in early December. These ambitious scholars were vying for the top five slots in their respective grades to qualify for the annual oral Scripps spelling bee. Because of ties for those top five slots, 32 spellers were invited to participate in weekly practice sessions and the February 14, oral spelling bee.
On bee day, 31 spellers were in attendance. The competition was strong with many spellers lasting several rounds. Our youngest spellers performed admirably and asked elucidative questions before spelling. These habits of mind and interaction are cultivated through practice.
After 11 rounds, Eighth Grader, Stella Ewald emerged victorious and was declared 2019 SCS Scripps Spelling Bee Champion! A hearty congratulations to Sixth Grader, Alexandra Wemple, who is our second place finisher. Alexandra finished second last year and will be a tough speller to beat in future local bees.
Scripps advisers, Annie Schneider and Laura Davenport, extend heartfelt congratulations to all the spellers, their families, and to classroom teachers whose daily instruction and read aloud kindle a love of words and whose example and instruction model the importance of practice to improve in any endeavor whether it be mathematics, basketball, or spelling.
We also wish to especially thank Mrs. Ahern who gave up her teaching space so that we could hold the spelling bee in the library. Mrs. Ahern and Fiona Kovacik are always gracious as fellow verbomaniacs. Mrs. Ahern and Fiona Kovacik go to great lengths to support excellence in our school and their daily efforts are integral to the growth and development of all students.
Additionally without the support of the set up crew AKA, the best custodial crew around, and the technical support provided by Jeannie Yocum and Annette Hebert, events like this wouldn’t be possible. It takes a village and Shelburne Village is one terrific place!
Stella and Alex, congratulations. You have our admiration for your achievements and our support in your future endeavors.
Pictured below, mere minutes after the 2019 SCS Scripps Spelling Bee, Champion: Stella Ewald (l) and Runner-up: Alexandra Wemple (r).
