ASHTABULA —
James Elliott, a sixth grader at Grand Valley Middle School, clinched his win of the 29th annual Ashtabula County Area V Spelling Bee by successfully spelling the words “physique” and “daffodil.”
James, 12, competing against seven other champion spellers in grades 4-8 from county public and private schools, nailed his win in 16 rounds.
His parents, Becky and Robert Elliott, along with his sister, Gabby, attended the competition held Wednesday night at the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center (the former State Road Elementary School).
First runner-up Emily Green, a sixth grader from Braden Junior High in the Buckeye Local School District, battled through a nine-round spell-off with James before the word “caucus” knocked her out.
James was the first to admit Emily was a fierce competitor, noting “she spelled some difficult words.”
Emily said her family “called words out” to her, providing her with that special advantage on the stage.
James’ parents said he studied on his iPod, while he gave credit to his family for helping him.
Second runner-up Kate Brand, a fifth grader from Rock Creek Elementary School in Jefferson Area Local Schools District, showed dedication and a lot of studying time as she spelled words like “embargo” and “cauliflower.”
The other participants were: Leah Costello, Assumption School; Samantha O’Donnell, Ashtabula City; Brock Reese, Geneva City, Sarah Udell, Pymatuning Valley; and Madeleine DiSalvatore, Ss. John and Paul Schools.
“All of the kids are winners,” said Kathleen Ciminero, spelling bee coordinator of the Educational Service Center, which sponsored the event. “They have already won at their schools to get here.”
Superintendent John Rubesich congratulated the students.
“Great job,” he said to James as he handed him his trophy, a T-shirt and pin.
All of the students received a T-shirt and pin.
James will go on to compete regionally at the final Area V Competition at 9:30 a.m. March 8 at Kirtland Public Library. There he will compete with winners from Geauga and Lake counties. The winner will travel to Washington, D.C. to compete in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee May 29-June 1.
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Related Photos
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CARL E. FEATHER/ Star Beacon JAMES ELLIOTT, a Grand Valley Sixth Grader, breaks into a smile after winning the 2012 Ashtabula County Area V 29th Annual Spelling Bee. The competition was held at the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center in Ashtabula.
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CARL E. FEATHER / Star Beacon EMILY GREEN, the runner-up in the 2012 Ashtabula County Area V 29th Annual Spelling Bee, pauses to consider the next letter in one of the words she spelled correctly during the competition Wednesday evening. Emily is a Braden Junior High sixth grader.
Discussion
Grand Valley sixth grader wins Ashtabula County Spelling Bee
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