Students try to spell out success at spelling bee

WINSTED — Fifteen area students competed at a spelling bee held at Northwestern Regional School on Monday, March 23.

According to co-organizer and school English teacher Lesley Sullivan, 15 students from Northwestern Middle School, The Gilbert School and St. Anthony’s School took part in the bee.

“This is the first time we’ve done a regional bee,” Sullivan said. “In the past, we’ve taken part in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and gone to New Haven. But this year, due to a lack of sponsorship, we’ve decided to create our own regional bee.”

Sullivan said that while the bee is competitive, it is essentially a friendly competition.

“Since this brings in other schools, it forms partnerships, which is a good thing to have,” she said. “Also, it promotes the importance of learning to spell and learning the rules. To win you need concentration, being able to spell under pressure. It’s very stressful being in front of a podium and a crowd.”

Sullivan said all participating schools held spelling bees of their own before sending the top five contestants from each school to the regional competition. 

The winner of the spelling bee was Northwestern student Jill Keegan, with Gilbert School student Eleanor Oakes-Rogers placing as runner-up.

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PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Salisbury Association’s Land Trust seeks part-time Land Steward: Responsibilities include monitoring easements and preserves, filing monitoring reports, documenting and reporting violations or encroachments, and recruiting and supervising volunteer monitors. The Steward will also execute preserve and trail stewardship according to Management Plans and manage contractor activity. Up to 10 hours per week, compensation commensurate with experience. Further details and requirements are available on request. To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and references to info@salisburyassociation.org. The Salisbury Association is an equal opportunity employer.

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