Pierce Hammock Elementary School was buzzing with excitement on Friday, Jan. 9 as 30 fourth-grade and fifth-grade students and their families assembled in the cafeteria for the annual spelling bee.
The students had been preparing for months, and the competitors were strong spellers.
After many rounds, champion speller Brody Holland, a fifth-grade student, shined through. The first runner up was Bryanna Pavon, a fourth-grade student, and the second runner up was Alexis Deeds, a fifth-grade student.
Brody Holland and Bryanna Pavon will represent Pierce Hammock at the local area spelling bee Feb. 24 at the Benjamin School.
ABOVE: (Front row) Brody Holland, Bryanna Pavon and Alexis Deeds; (back row) judge Kathryn Koener, judge June Eassa, spelling bee coordinator Marianne O’Mara, judge Nicole Karazus and Principal Dr. John Carvelli.