Third-grader wins<br>school spelling bee
After missing out on an opportunity to win the Grand Canyon School Spelling Bee in the eighth round, third-grader Bernie Ortiz was hoping for another chance.
Grand Canyon spelling bee coordinator Nancy Green has a smile and a handshake for champion Bernie Ortiz Thursday. Ortiz, a third-grader, correctly spelled ‘blissful’ and ‘agreeable’ to outduel seventh-grader Scott McClelland for first place.
Ortiz got the chance in the 10th round when seventh-grader Scott McClelland missed ‘blissful.’ Ortiz got the word right and then spelled ‘agreeable’ to win the event.
McClelland ended up second, followed by sixth-grader Luke Bowman in third, fifth-grader Shannon Harris in fourth and second-grader Emily Gallup in fifth. Fourth-grader Miriam Lopez and eighth-grader Matt Trotter also competed.
With the victory, Ortiz will represent Grand Canyon in the Coconino County Spelling Bee. If he cannot participate, McClelland would go in his place as alternate.
Ortiz and McClelland dueled to the end for first-place honors. After Harris and Bowman went out in the fourth round, Ortiz and McClelland followed by getting their words right in the next two rounds.
In round seven, Ortiz spelled ‘platform’ and McClelland missed on ‘stovepipe.’ Ortiz then spelled that same word correctly but missed on ‘angels’ in an attempt to win. McClelland then missed ‘angels.’
The two started all over in round nine, both spelling their words correctly. In round 10, Ortiz spelled ‘mellow’ and McClelland missed ‘blissful.’ Ortiz then spelled ‘blissful’ and ‘agreeable’ to win.
The event was coordinated by librarian Nancy Green. Principal Richard Dodson, board member Tom Pittenger and school ranger Ronnie Gibson served as judges. Judi Beckerleg looked up words in a dictionary, if meanings were requested.
Grand Canyon
Spelling Bee
Top Five Finishers
Place Student Grade
1st Bernie Ortiz 3rd
2nd Scott McClelland 7th
3rd Luke Bowman 6th
4th Shannon Harris 5th
5th Emily Gallup 2nd
Classroom Champions
and Alternates
Grade Student
2nd Emily Gallup, champion
Heather Torivio, alternate
3rd Bernie Ortiz, champion
Heather Kerr, alternate
4th Miriam Lopez, champion
Madison Berry, alternate
5th Shannon Harris, champion
Jesse Hamblen, alternate
6th Luke Bowman, champion
Harrick Bia, alternate
7th Scott McClelland, champion
Hannah Littleboy, alternate
8th Matt Trotter, champion
Dominique Dollente, alternate
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