LVJUSD Keeps Tradition Alive With Virtual Spelling Bees

Press release from the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District:

March 12, 2021

It was two weeks of excitement as the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) hosted two virtual district-wide Spelling Bees. Elementary and middle schools sent their top spellers to compete in the District competitions on February 17, 2021 for grades 4-6 and February 24, 2021 for grades 7-8.

“I am so proud that our district was able to continue the tradition of hosting our annual spelling bees, despite the constraints of the pandemic. Our students’ and staff’s proficiency in the use of online webinar platforms resulted in two exciting and intense competitions,'' shared Superintendent Kelly Bowers.

For the grade 4-6 spellers, it was truly a marathon of spelling! After twelve rounds and nearly four hours of tough competition, Spell Master Philomena Rambo, in consultation with the judges, called time on the contest, awarding a four-way tie for first place. The “Final Four,” outspelling 31 other contenders, included 6th graders Lily Feng and Brayden Kreitzman from East Avenue Middle School, 6th grader Anaya Menon from Mendenhall Middle School, and 5th grader Mahathi Kamalanathan from Altamont Creek Elementary School.

The 7th and 8th grade competition had viewers on the edge of their seats as the final three of eighteen competitors battled it out until there was only one speller left standing! Isaac Yee, 7th grade student from Mendenhall Middle School, was crowned Spelling Bee Champion after seven rounds of intense competition by correctly spelling the word “nihilism.” Rounding out the final three contestants were 8th graders, Sameer Dhanvantari from Joe Michell TK-8 School and Amelia Paradise from Junction Avenue Middle School.

Brett Christopher, Livermore High School Vice Principal and Master of Ceremonies for both spelling competitions said, "The virtual spelling bees were so much fun! We had a great collection of students who all did an amazing job. Every year I'm amazed by the words that these students are able to spell and this year definitely did not disappoint! Congratulations to all of the students that participated in such exceptional competitions."

This press release was produced by the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.