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Students at Grimes School participate in final round of inaugural spelling bee competition

Winners of spelling bee posing with principal.
Students at Grimes School participate in final round of inaugural spelling bee competition

The auditorium at Grimes Schools was buzzing with excitement as students and families gathered for the final round of the spelling bee Thursday afternoon. Finalists from three divisions displayed their skills in an attempt to reign victorious. 

Events such as the school spelling bee help expose students to a wider range of words and their definitions, while building cognitive and social skills. Additionally, they help build confidence in public speaking and academics. 

“I am incredibly proud of our students and the hard work they demonstrated throughout this process,” said Charlicia Watson, Title 1 Coordinator at Grimes School, who coordinated the event. “This experience was about more than spelling. It was about building confidence, courage, and a commitment to excellence. It takes courage to stand on that stage, confidence to try your best in front of others, and strength to keep going no matter the outcome.”

The spelling bee also helps families further engage in their child’s education by practicing their spelling and vocabulary skills at home, and supporting their child during the event at school.

“Being involved in their education and events like this is extremely important because it allows them access to education, and then when they go home, they extend the education,” said Daniel Omsley, a father of three children at Grimes School. “So, it's always important.”

The event started off with the beginner division, consisting of kindergarteners and first graders. One by one, the finalists went up to the microphone to spell words such as “swim” and “frog.” Kindergartener Nova Anderson took home the trophy for her division. 

“My mommy practiced with me,” said Nova when asked how she prepared for the competition. “I did well at the spelling bee, I spell lots of words.”

The middle division consisted of second and third graders, while the upper division had students in fourth through sixth grade. See the winners of each division below!

• Beginner Division Winner: Nova Anderson  
• Middle Division Winner: Navy Anderson  
• Upper Division Winner: Marcus Smith 

Winners of spelling bee posing with principal.
Student and teacher posing for the camera.
Two small boys on stage during the spelling bee.
Student on stage spelling word.
Grimes School spelling bee on April 30.
Student on stage smiling during the spelling bee.
Two students looking over during spelling bee,


 

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