CLICK photos to enlarge / ABOVE Top three and top ten spellers

By Alec Keller

The Ada Schools auditorium buzzed with chatter and encouragement with classes filing in as 10 finalists took center stage at the Ada Exempted Village Schools spelling bee.

On January 16, spelling bee finalists representing grades 4-8 took turns approaching the microphone, with each contestant listening closely as words were read aloud. Students could request definitions or use in a sentence before spelling each word one letter at a time.

Principal and emcee Dan Lee opened the competition by outlining expectations for good sportsmanship and behavior, emphasizing complete silence while spellers were competing. After each correct spelling, applause filled the auditorium in support of the contestants.

Pronouncer Lyn Davis pitched challenging words throughout the rounds, including “prognosis,” “talcum,” “equestrian,” “guttural” and “prestigious.” 

As the competition progressed, incorrect spellings slowly emptied the chairs on stage. Some words were homonyms, which can be confused with another word.

The bee ultimately came down to the final words “confidant” and “amicable,” with eighth-grader Scarlett Craig correctly spelling the final word to secure the title of the new Ada Schools Spelling Bee champion. Seventh-grader Joseph Gargac finished second and third place went to seventh-grader Beckett Sleesman.

Lee congratulated all participants, noting they represented the top 2 percent of spellers after advancing through a field of 60 students. Each finalist was presented with a certificate, with the top three finishers receiving a medal.

Spelling Bee Pronouncer: Lyn Davis

Judges: Chanda Smith, Deone Rieman, Amy Morgan

Spelling Bee Finalists:

4th Grade: Jackson Osborn, Maxwell Wile

5th Grade: Rory McAlpine, Adelyn Roniger

6th Grade: Charlie Wile, Khian Titus

7th Grade: Joseph Gargac, Beckett Sleesman

8th Grade: Scarlett Craig, Josie Stoll