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Spellers Head To Enochs For Championship
Spelling Bee

Elementary students in Stanislaus County will be making their way to Enochs High School in Modesto for the Elementary Spelling Championship. The competition is for students in fourth grades through sixth grades and is sponsored by the Stanislaus County Office of Education. The event is open to the public and begins at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

Mesa Verde Elementary, California Avenue Elementary and Riverbank Language Academy will all be represented at the competition along with over 40 other elementary schools in the county.

Fourth grader Santiago Garnica out of Mrs. Lehikainen's class at California Avenue Elementary is excited and a little nervous to participate in this competition. Fifth grader Nehelijah Alvarado is the alternate.

“I feel good,” stated Garnica about taking part in the countywide finals. “I like to spell.”

Even though he enjoys spelling his favorite subject is math. He has been practicing a variety of words with his mom to prepare for the competition.

Representing Mesa Verde Elementary is fifth grader Alex Pereira and fourth grader Olivia Richey that are both very excited to compete.

“Olivia and Alex have been very dedicated to studying for this event,” said Mesa Verde Resource Specialist Lisa Napoli. “Not only do they study at home, but they spend two lunch periods a week with me, studying and preparing for the Spelling Bee.”

Pereira’s older brother participated in the bee last year so he is somewhat aware of what to expect at this year’s championship.

They both really enjoy all school subjects but Pereira really likes math, reading, and writing. Richey’s favorite subjects are math and reading. A motivating factor to participate in the event for Richey is the possibility of ice cream afterwards.

RLA will be represented by Adilene Murgía-Zamora and Devon Santos is the alternate at the championship.

The top two spellers from this competition will represent Stanislaus County at the state competition in Stockton on May 9, 2020. The third place speller will serve as an alternate.