The annual NCEMS School Spelling Bee was held on January 5th, 2024. Three participants from each grade, fifth through eighth grade, earned the opportunity to compete in this year's spelling bee. Participants from fifth grade included Lily Romney, Ellie Burkitt, and Rowan Williams; participants from sixth grade included Abbott Sullivan, Will Martin, and Levi Holthaus; participants from seventh grade included Aidan Henry, Kaden Sperfslage, and Jayla Nolte; and participants from eighth grade included Keyla DeLosRios, Xavier Haverkamp, and Lilly Leis.
Only the top six finishers would make it on to compete at the county spelling bee, to be held at Nemaha Central Elementary School later this month. Round one boasted some challenging words, astonishing many members of the audience. Some words proved to be difficult, eliminating five of the competitors.
The competitors advancing on to round two included Xavier, Abbott, Rowan, Lilly L, Will, Jayla, and Kaden, who would duke it out for the top six placings. Round two proved just as exciting as round one, with several competitors getting out, but having a chance for redemption when too many students were eliminated at once. After having a second chance in round two, Rowan was eliminated, leaving six students qualifying for the county spelling bee. At the end of round two, Xavier, Lilly L, Kaden, Abbott, Will, and Jayla were still standing. However, the school spelling bee would need to continue until a winner was declared.
After a tight battle, only three remained after round three including Abbott, Will and Jayla. The last three spellers had an ultimate spell-off between themselves. Abbott, Will, and Jayla went back and forth for almost 15 minutes before Abbott got out and it was left to Jayla and Will. Shortly after, Jayla also got out. Will had to spell one word correctly to win the School Spelling Bee. The word was ‘replica’ and Will nailed it! Will Martin won the 2024 NCEMS School Spelling Bee.
Congrats to all of the participants for making it and great job everyone! The County Spelling Bee will be held on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 in the gym at NCEMS.