Angela Smith, curriculum director for the District and moderator of the event, welcomed the 4th-8th Grade winners from Homer Nash, North Madison, Red Bird and Madison Middle School, as well as alternates, parents, siblings and dignitaries to what she referred to as her favorite activity of the year.

"Here we celebrate the best spellers in our District," she said.

Smith introduced the judges for the event - Head Judge Katherine Kaminski, Assistant Superintendent Matt Chojnacki and MHS Assistant Principal Mark Potts.

Madison Local School Board President Rex Reigert commended all students who participated in the various building bees throughout the District and commented the experience, whether the student had won or lost, would prove to be a valuable learning experience.

"Facing such pressure is lifelong lesson," he said.

Reigert closed his remarks with a reminder to the District Spelling Bee competitors.

"Remember your families will be proud of you no matter how you do today," he said.

The first spell off was between the 4th grade winners from each elementary. The round included RBE's Morgan Breedlove, NME's Alexandra Berry and Macie Osborne. Morgan came out on top by spelling "ALLIGATOR". The win automatically advanced her to the final round, which would determine the 2010 District Spelling Bee champ.

Next, the 5th-graders - RBE's Kyle Cruikshank, NME's Catherine Harrison and HNK's Christian Wilkerson competed against each other to see who would earn a seat at the finals. Catherine won the spot correctly spelling "HYPOTHESIS".

The final spell off included MMS 6th-grader Ed Stocker, 4th grade champ Morgan Breedlove, MMS 8th-grader Allie Mason, 5th grade champ Catherine Harrison and MMS 7th-grader Alex Smith. After other competitors had been eliminated, Allie and Alex battled back and forth for several rounds before Allie spelled her final word and was announced as the winner.

District Superintendent Dr. Roger Goudy and Madison BOE President Rex Reigert congratulated each of the morning's participants and awarded certificates. Plaques were also given to grade level winners.

"Congratulations to you all," Dr. Goudy said. "In this day of Spellcheck I am pleased to see so many students learning to spell."

Click below to view photos from the 2010 District Bee:

 PREPARING FOR THE BEE

FAMILY & FRIENDS ARRIVE

4TH GRADE ROUND

5TH GRADE ROUND

FINAL ROUND

PRESENTATIONS & CONGRATULATIONS



Click below to meet all
the building 4th-8th Grade winners 
& the talented alternates:
Meet Madison's Best Spellers