Saint Peter’s Abuzz with Excitement for Inaugural Spelling Bee

(Left to Right) Saint Peter’s Spelling Bee Finalists; Otto Raedeke (Grade 5, 2nd place), Su Hlaing (Grade 7, 1st place), Olivia Lemley, (Grade 8, 3rd place)

Saint Peter’s Abuzz with Excitement for Inaugural Spelling BeE

By Dora J. Gomes
 
Saint Peter’s School is participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the very first time this year. A healthy competition like the spelling bee is a thrilling and motivating way for students to improve their spelling and vocabulary. The competition began with students from grades 2-8 participating in spelling bees in their individual classrooms. Winners from each classroom then advanced to participate in a school-wide spelling bee held on February 23rd.

The students and teachers were tremendously excited about the contest. The fourteen spelling bee participants took the stage and were celebrated and cheered throughout the competition. After several exciting rounds, seventh grader Su Hlaing became the school champion, and fifth grader Otto Raedeke was the runner-up. Su will go on to represent Saint Peter’s School in the Scripps National Spelling Bee regional competition at Landon School in Bethesda, MD, on March 7.

Sixth grader Dominic said the spelling bee was a great learning opportunity for him and for his classmates.
Third grader Kavi loved having a spelling bee at school, “I had a fun time participating and it's something we can now look forward to each year.” 

The coordinator and initiator of the event, fourth grade teacher Mrs. Eunice Pak, said the contest exceeded her expectations. "My hope from the beginning was for the spelling bee to be not only an academic motivator but also to encourage the students to participate in a fun, healthy competition. I am grateful to our principal Ms. DeZinno for embracing the idea and for her support in making this happen for our school.”
Mrs. Pak especially thanks Ms. Gallagher (middle school English teacher and department chair), Mrs. Caldeira (middle school Science teacher), Mrs. Cotter (school librarian), Mrs. Bottegal (drama director), and Mr. Nguyen (music teacher) along with all the other teachers, students and parents who helped to make the event successful.