By Starr Munro Riverbend News
Suwannee and Hamilton County schools have a few more things to brag about this year, thanks to the multiple spelling bee winners being made, some of whom could possibly be future champions. Before the end of the year 2020, students from Suwannee Middle School, Hamilton County Elementary School and Hamilton County High School, all had competitions of their own to determine the spelling bee winner.
Each district conducts a school-based spelling bee, including private schools in the district who wish to participate. The winner from each school advances on to the district spelling bee in January. The winner of the district spelling bee will compete in the regional spelling bee held in Jacksonville and have the chance to represent their school in the competition.
The 2020-2021 Suwannee Middle School (SMS) winner was Lucas Evans, who will represent SMS at the district competition on Thursday, Jan. 28. Also honored were Marina Hernandez, first runner up and Arianna Clay, second runner up. Hamilton County High School winners include: Ashton Tabor, first place; Joseline Garcia, second place; and Ellis Wright Jr., third place. These three school winners will advance to the Hamilton County district spelling bee, which will be held on Thursday, Jan. 14. Hamilton County Elementary School's winners will be moving forward in January as well. The winners include: Lily Bunkley, first place; Kaleb Muzzey, second place and DeAngelo Rivera Tisby, third place.