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DENTON – Teachers Can Help, an organization composed of current and former educators, hosted their annual Countywide 5th Grade Spelling Bee on October 22 at the Denton Branch of the Caroline County Public Library.
The competition started with spelling bees at all five of Caroline’s individual elementary schools, where each 5th grade class competed for first, second, and third places.
Those who spelled themselves to these school-level ranks were then brought together for the countywide bee. Representing Denton were Jacotin, London Hayes and Braisly Pineda-Ballesteros, with Skylar VanMeter as alternate. Federalsburg sent Carlens Joseph, Amari Wilcox and Jeremiah Ennals, with Aspen Malanoski serving as an alternate. Greensboro was represented by Mendez, Keari Bell and Olivia Vanskiver, with Mason Fuentes as alternate. Preston’s competitors were Charlotte Chvatal, Abigail Meehan and Zoe Ruckart, with Noah Sears as alternate. Ridgely’s team consisted of Cierra Yost, Joi Wildrick and Honesty Keene, with Ligaya Zapanta as alternate.
“We prepare 13 rounds worth of words for spellers,” said Ashley Lane, a member of Teachers Can Help, “This was the first year we didn't have a single elimination until round five, which is incredible.” She added that the bee is the organization’s biggest event of the year, and this is their 49th year running. Caroline County Public Schools said that the length of the competition showcased “the depth of talent and preparation among all participants.”
The competition ultimately lasted ten rounds, with Ridgely Elementary’s Cierra Yost coming out on top. Nisce Jacotin of Denton Elementary came in second and Josue Domingo Mendez of Greensboro Elementary in third.
Yost’s first-place finish earned her a $75 prize, while Jacotin received $50 for second place and Mendez received $25 for third. Yost will also have her name added to the countywide spelling bee plaque, which will be displayed at Ridgely Elementary for the year.
