Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
On Thursday, Jan. 20, the Suwannee County School Board Office was the battle stage for the Suwanee County School district spelling bee. School winners from all schools throughout Suwannee County participated. To be a contestant each student must be in fifth grade through eighth grade or under the age of 15. Each contestant had already won four previous competitions to make it to the Suwannee County School District Championships. The first one must win their class, then their grade, finally they must win their school spelling bee to represent their school. Eight schools throughout Suwannee County were represented. Representing Branford Elementary School was Kenna Corbin, representing Branford High School was Isabella Hobday, representing Suwannee Pineview Elementary was Lucy Kate Roberts, representing Suwannee Riverside Elementary was Brayden Ward, representing Suwannee Springcrest Elementary was Derek Jenkins, representing Suwannee Middle School was Kimberly Tanner, representing Melody Christian Academy was Cameron Wilson and representing Westwood Christian School was Addison Webb.
Each contestant was given a word; after 25 words, the words got harder. The first round eliminated one contestant as contestants were dropping out each passing round. As the seventh round came about, only two contestants remained; as the rules were set in place, if at any point one contestant is left standing after a round where another contestant was eliminated, that contestant left standing must spell one final word to win. Thus saying the winner must spell two words correctly to claim the title of Suwannee County School District Champion.
In round seven, the final two contestants were Hobday and Webb, Hobday was given her word first and she failed to execute the word correctly, but she was not eliminated unless Webb spelled her word correctly. Webb appeared nervous and shaking, but she gathered herself and spelled her word correctly. Doing so propelled her into round eight alone; however, as the rules stated, Webb must then complete the eight-round to win, or Hobday was still in the competition. Unfortunately for Hobday, Webb spelled "Padre" correctly without hesitation. By doing so, Hobday was eliminated and Webb claimed the title of Suwannee School District Spelling Bee Champion.
Webb reflected over the event, "I was really nervous and shaking, but I'm happy I won." Webb said. She will advance to the 78th Annual First Coast Regional Spelling Championship on Friday, April 1, 2022, representing the Suwannee County School District.