The Chattooga Education Association sponsors the county spelling bee each year. This year it was held at the Middle School on February 6th at 6:00 pm.

The bee consisted of a 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th-8th grade competition with the winner of the 4th-8th competition going on to compete in the region spelling bee on Saturday, February 24 at Georgia Highlands. Bobby Cavin is the CEA president with Lisa Davis and Kathy Kerce organizing the spelling bee. Superintendent Jimmy Lenderman is always in attendance to give support and hand out the certificates and winner trophies and ribbons. Administration from the schools involved are also present to support their students.

This year’s competition was very intense with each group lasting for several rounds before finally awarding a 1st place winner.

The 1st grade contest lasted 20 rounds total.

1st grade contestants:
Jaydon Barbee, Keyonna Dozier, Damien Duncan, Stephanie Gonzalez, Jacoma Hines, Arliss Nelms, Logan Sparks, Collin Tucker, Reese Willingham, Madisyn Wooten

WINNER: Damien Duncan

2nd Place: Reese Willingham

3rd Place: Collin Tucker

The contest for the 2nd graders lasted a total of 19 rounds.

 

2nd Grade contestants:
Carter Bachelor, Lashley Farmer, Blaine Groce, Ava Howard, Penelope Milam, Jamie Mitchell, Lusi Rosales, Leondre Ross, Lydon Shaver, Kadyn Swords, Brenden Vanco, Davian Wooten

WINNER: Kadyn Swords

2nd Place: Blaine Groce

3rd Place: Penelope Milam

The 3rd grade competition was the toughest competition of the night going a total of 25 rounds before reaching a winner.

3rd Grade contestants:
Memphys Anthony, Ashlyn Burrage, Colton Humphrey, Jada Moody, Briasia Morton, Kaylee Newsome, Jaxon Penson, Hannah Reynolds, Aaliyah Sauls, Gabe Smith, Aavon Wooten, Aiden Kinnamont

WINNER: Briasia Morton

2nd Place: Memphys Anthony

3rd Place: Aiden Kinnamont

The 4th-8th grade competition lasted 20 rounds with the 1st place winner advancing to the Regional competition on February 24th.

4th-8th Grade contestants:
Weston Brady, Carol Ann Cash, Jace Goodson, Haven Lyons, Ja’Mya Plummer, Nathan Reynolds, Jayla Rich, Kalysia Roberts, Stephen Snow, Ben Swords, Alexis Womack

WINNER: Jayla Rich

2nd Place: Kalysia Roberts

3rd Place: Jace Goodson

Congratulations to all of the competitors in this year’s Chattooga County Spelling Bee!