A year older and a year wiser, Ananya Augustine is also a year more accomplished after being crowned Henry County Schools’ Spelling Bee Champion for the second year in a row. The Hickory Flat Elementary student’s correct spelling of ‘etymology’ and ‘obsequious’ earned her the district’s top honor as the best speller once again.

   A total of 34 competitors from elementary and middle schools took part in this year’s event at the Henry County Performing Arts Center, with 4th through 8th grades represented. Aayush Mehta, 7th grade student from Hampton Middle School, finished in second place, while Alexis Berzinski, 8th grade student from Locust Grove Middle School, finished in third place.

  If Augustine continues her streak of wins, she could be the first student in the district to hold the top spelling honor for three or more years.  It is possible for her to win the district competition each year she is eligible.

  This year’s spelling bee lasted a total of 24 rounds.  The 14th round was where the field was whittled down to only three spellers.  Four rounds later, there stood only two spellers.

  All three finalists will move on to the next competition for Region 5 at Edwards Middle School in Conyers on Saturday, February 23. Students from Butts, Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Griffin-Spalding, Heard, Newton, and Rockdale counties will also be competing for the chance to move on to the state competition.  This year’s state spelling bee will be held in the Student Center on the Georgia State University campus in Atlanta on Friday, March 15.

  For their efforts locally, the three finalists received mementos of their accomplishments, including cash prizes from the Henry County Association of Educators and Georgia Association of Educators.    For more information on the state spelling bee competition and organization, visit the Georgia Association of Educators’ website at www.gae.org. For more information on Henry County Schools, visit www.henry.k12.ga.us