By Lou Ann Vaught, LES APEX/Gifted Teacher
Lakeland Elementary third-grader Lillian Davis asked for the definition of the word before spelling “mulish” correctly Friday (12.13.19) to win the Lakeland Elementary School Spelling Bee. The victory moves her on to the next level of competition.
While Lillian finished first, Lakeland Elementary School (LES) fourth-grade student Gracie Sowers was the runner-up.
The winning word: mulish – resembling or likened to a mule in being stubborn. “Belinda’s face took on a mulish expression.”
The participants went through 16 rounds, spelling 136 words before the winning word was spelled. The official pronouncer was Dr. Ted Horrell, superintendent of the Lakeland School System.
There were 18 participants this year: 9 third graders and 9 fourth graders.
Third Grade participants – Kolby Cannon, Cora Converse, Lillian Davis, Hughes Davis, Connor Kim, Camden Le, Benjamin Mason, Owen Montierth and Alma Shirini.
Fourth Grade Participants – Michael Caston, Absent Isabella Duplantic alternate Aaliyah Uuebelhor, Whitney Emerson, Chase Foldenauer, Zainab Issawi, Tyrez Jenkins, Connor Norton, Leiyah Oliver and Gracie Sowers.
Winners were congratulated by Dr. Horrell and Joretha Lockhart, LES principal.
The Spelling Bee begins in November at LES, when students first receive word lists to practice. There are classroom spelling bees, with the top finishers from each classroom moving on to the school spelling bee.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee and all of “Bee Week” 2020 will take place the week of Memorial Day, May 24 through May 29 at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
Teachers Allie Morrow, Amelia Wales, Johnna Herbison, Amber Scott, Jessica Bailey, Bridgett Church, Tina David and Lou Ann Vaught organized the spelling bee effort at LES.
…Photos courtesy of Lou Ann Vaught
