Six students from Peterborough elementary schools spelled their way to success at the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 11th annual spelling bee on Saturday (May 3) at Whetung Theatre at Fleming College, earning prizes for themselves and their schools.
Earlier this spring, more than 4,000 students from grades 4 to 8 in schools across Peterborough County competed in qualifying spelling bees at their schools, with the top spellers competing in the regional spelling bee championship, which featured a junior division for students in grades 4 to 6, and an intermediate division for students in grades 7 and 8.
Verna Conlin-Hanley from St. Anne Catholic Elementary School was the top speller in the junior division, with Kieran Scerri of Kawartha Montessori School placing second and Olivia Best of Queen Elizabeth Public School coming in third.
In the intermediate division, Henry Sharpe from Adam Scott Intermediate Public School placed first, with Tyler Phillips of St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School coming in second and Shreyas Balakrishnan of Kaawaate East City Public School placing third.
The top spellers won prizes that include a week at Trent Excalibur Camp, a week at Camp Kawartha, bikes from Canadian Tire, lessons at the Art School of Peterborough, a party at Zap Attack Laser tag, tickets for local events courtesy of Miskin Law, cash for their schools’ literacy programs, and more.
“Literacy is one of the seven areas of focus for Rotary International, and the Rotary Club of Peterborough believes that the excitement for reading and writing generated by the annual Spelling Bee encourages children’s interest in improving their literacy skills and also helps to develop poise under pressure and public speaking skills,” reads a media release.
