On their way to the gymnasium for the Mechanic’s Grove Spelling Bee on Jan. 14, a group of third graders were asked if they were participating in the event.
“Yes, we are,” one answered. “We’re just not spelling.”
While just 28 of MG’s 486 students competed in the Bee, all the students played a role in helping turn the traditional event into a spirited contest with an exciting finish.
Days prior to the event, fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms held mini spelling bees. The first- and second-place finishers qualified for the main event while 14 third-place finishers served as alternates.
On the day of the event, students filed into the gymnasium. The third graders, too young to compete, sat cross-legged on the gym floor, closest to the stage. They remained quiet and still as the Bee started. In between rounds, there were stretch breaks and opportunities to interact by commenting on the competition.
When Principal Tanya Fergus asked students in the audience how they thought the spellers felt, they answered, “tired,” “anxious,” and “scared.” They also said “proud.”
Meanwhile, on stage, the contest continued. Round after round, students correctly spelled words like “bazaar,” “sensation” and “embroiled.” Sometimes the student body got too involved, causing their principal to intervene.
“I know many of you want to spell along,” she said. “But please don’t do it out loud. Spell in your head or write out your letters with your finger on your hand.”
Each round one or two students would misspell a word and drop out until only two students were on stage: eventual winner Anabelle Aubrey and runner-up Henry Hunter. The pair of fifth graders stood alone among the top spellers at their school.
The anticipation climbed higher and the audience was fully engaged. Each time Henry or Anabelle would correctly spell a word such as “adversity,” “famine” or “plaque” the gym erupted in applause.
Finally, the event came down to one crucial moment. Anabelle stood in front of the judges. If she spelled one more word correctly, she would win.
Once again, the excited students were asked to stay quiet. The tension was palpable. When the word was announced, Anabelle took a deep breath, looked straight ahead, repeated the word and carefully spoke each letter, pausing before the last letter: “Flamboyant: F-l-a-m-b-o-y-a-n… t.”
Students exploded in cheers and applause. The third-graders may have been the most excited.
Both top finishers received a trophy for their efforts and Anabelle earned the opportunity to compete in the Regional Spelling Bee on March 19. Henry will serve as the alternate in the event she’s unable to attend.