Twelve talented spellers competed Tuesday for the title of Weakley County Schools Spelling Bee Champion in a fourteen-round contest held at the Board of Education in Dresden.
Greenfield School eighth grader Noah Wilson secured the title of 2023-24 Spelling Bee Champion, and Martin Middle School eighth grader Cadence Brundige earned the runner-up designation.
The intense competition represented spellers in grades 5-8 from Dresden, Gleason, Greenfield, Martin, and Sharon Schools. All students who participated were either winners or runners-up in spelling competitions that were held at their schools.
Assistant Director of Schools Betsi Foster served as the pronouncer. The judges were members of the central office team that included Supervisor of Instruction for 6-12, Donald Ray High; Director of Grants, Angie Rushing; and Director of Federal Programs, Jon Gardner.
Wilson’s winning words were “verbiage” and “vacuum.” Other words on the list given to Wilson throughout various rounds included “widget,” “developer,” “manifesto,” “porridge,” “mangrove,” officiant,” and “marsupial.”
As round 7 began, half of the competitors had misspelled a word and been eliminated. Four more contestants went down in round 8, leaving the final two spellers to battle it out six more rounds for the championship spot. On round 13, Brundige misspelled the word “skedaddle.” After successfully spelling the word “vacuum,” Wilson was announced 2023-24 Weakley County Schools Spelling Bee Champion.
Students who compete are both skilled and brave according to Terri Stephenson, Elementary Supervisor of Instruction and Coordinator of the Spelling Bee.
“It takes a lot of courage to stand up and put fears aside to compete in a spelling bee, especially at the district level. We are always proud of our spelling bee contestants, and it’s important to recognize the preparation and courage required to compete by yourself in front of peers, family members, and educators. We commend each one of these students for their hard work,” Stephenson stated.
Director of Schools Jeff Cupples presented all participants with certificates and a commemorative medallion. In addition, Champion Wilson and runner up Brundige received trophies and a monetary prize. School winners are also eligible to take a qualifying test online to advance to the Tennessee Titan Spelling Bee next year in Nashville.
Greenfield Principal Jamie Doster said that students, faculty, and staff at the school were thrilled to learn of the win.
“Congratulations to Noah Wilson for this outstanding achievement. He is a well-rounded and remarkable young man who works very hard. He sets his mind to accomplish a goal and truly excels at all that he attempts. Congratulations also to Alik Archie who represented our school well in the top 5. On behalf of all of us at Greenfield School, we’re proud of these students for doing things the Jacket way,” said Doster.
Director of Schools Jeff Cupples emphasized, “We’re proud of the superior display of skill and dedication showcased by students this year. Their exceptional performance reflects their hard work. Congratulations to all participants for this great achievement and for embodying academic determination with the spirit of friendly competition.”
Participants included:
Eighth graders: Braylee Black, Gleason School; Noah Wilson, Greenfield School; Cadence Brundige, Martin Middle; Layla Allen, Gleason School; Annastyn Morgan, Martin Middle.
Seventh graders: Kathy Stone, Sharon School; Alik Archie, Greenfield School.
Sixth graders: Maggie Robinson, Dresden Middle; Leah Sim, Dresden Middle.
Fifth graders: Owen Lyell, Sharon School; Marlee Norton, Martin Elementary; Ada Smith, Martin Elementary.
For more about Weakley County Schools, visit weakleycountyschools.com.
(Erica Moore, Weakley County Schools Communications Director)
