Congratulations to Helen Van Arkel on winning the Raymore-Peculiar School District Spelling Bee on Jan. 17. Twenty-seven spellers from the elementary and middle schools competed in the evening event at Eagle Glen Elementary School.
After 12 rounds of competition, Helen claimed the championship by spelling the word "attrition."
Ashleigh Parker was the runner-up. Both students are 8th graders at Ray-Pec East Middle School.
As the winner, Helen received a trophy and a Visa gift card from UMB. She also qualifies to represent the District in the Cass County Spelling Bee, scheduled for March 13. If Helen would win at the county level, she will be eligible to compete at the Scripps National Bee in Washington, D.C.
As runner-up, Ashleigh received a trophy and a Visa gift card from UMB. All other competitors received medallions in recognition of qualifying for the District bee.
Ray-Pec library media specialists served as judges for the event, and retired Ray-Pec Library Media Specialist Joyce Webb was the pronouncer. The event was organized by the Ray-Pec Academic Services Department.
Other students who qualified to compete in the District Spelling Bee were:
- Bridle Ridge Elementary School: Gabe Connor (5th grade), Luke Kille (5th grade), Brodee Mustain (5th grade)
- Creekmoor Elementary School: Levi Albright (5th grade), Jaxon Gross (5th grade), Sofia Macias (4th grade)
- Eagle Glen Elementary School: Ben Bartlett (5th grade), Alexander Cole (5th grade), Ian Parker (5th grade)
- Peculiar Elementary School: Riley Lowe (4th grade), Teagan Sandnes (4th grade), Logan Stone (5th grade)
- Raymore Elementary School: Karter Kimble (5th grade), Sarah Mitchell (5th grade), Elias Tanyi Ashu (4th grade)
- Stonegate Elementary School: Rayleigh Bartel (4th grade), Millie Columbatto (4th grade), Jack Trompeter (4th grade)
- Timber Creek Elementary School: Owen Bowhmer (5th grade), Kendyl Martin (5th grade), Nathan Velez (5th grade)
- East Middle School: Auchen Baranowski (7th grade)
- South Middle School: Ky Price (7th grade), Rose Sykes (7th grade), Alissa Thompson (6th grade)