Lucas Orren, East Alexander Middle School student, is the 2022 Spelling Bee Champion for Alexander County Schools. Parker Payne, Bethlehem Elementary School student, is the runner-up. Orren won the contest by correctly spelling the word comportment.
Twenty-one students representing Alexander County’s elementary and middle grades were invited to the stage at Alexander Central Auditorium on Thursday, February 10, to compete for the top honor of Spelling Bee Champion.
Mrs. Melinda Glenn, Alexander Virtual Academy and academic competition coordinator, welcomed contestants and guests to the competition. Cristi Julsrud, East Alexander middle school teacher, served as the pronouncer. Judges for the event were Dr. Alisha Cloer, executive director of Human Resources, and Mrs. Mary Borwn, principal of Alexander Early College. Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Betsy Curry presented the awards.
Orren will advance to the regional competition at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on March 13.
The school winners who advanced to the county spelling bee are listed below.
Alexander Virtual Academy Elementary Kayden Shew and Kristin White
Alexander Virtual Academy Middle William White
Bethlehem Elementary Carter Payne and Gavin Brown
East Alexander Middle Lucas Orren and Said Suaste
Ellendale Elementary Macie Roberts and Leah Anderson
Hiddenite Elementary Maleah Oliver and Fernando Casteneda
Stony Point Elementary Americaz Perez and Garland Spears
Sugar Loaf Elementary Daniel Costner and Savannah Hayes
Taylorsville Elementary Natalie Cain and Ximmenna Garcia
West Alexander Middle Caleb Keller and Preston Huffman
Wittenburg Elementary Sophia Evertson and Angel Alvarez-Cruz