Congratulations to Pleasant Hill sixth grader William Henley on winning the Cass County Spelling Bee that took place at Ray-Pec this morning!
William qualifies to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., later this spring.
William also competed in the Cass County Spelling Bee in 2024 as a 5th grader.
The runner-up was 8th grader Mariah Coffey from the Harrisonville School District. Mariah won the Cass County Bee in 2023 and 2024.
Other participants:
McKenzie Dubert, 8th grader, Raymore-Peculiar School District
Abigail Forgette, 5th grader, Archie School District (also competed in 2024 as a 4th grader)
Anderson Collins, 8th grader, Belton School District
Addison Francy, 5th grader, Midway School District
Dexter Hodges, 7th grader, Strasburg School District
As winner, William receives an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for himself and a chaperone to participate in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. The prize includes airfare, lodging, and a spending allowance. He also received a trophy and a $50 gift card from UMB.
As runner-up, Mariah received a trophy and a $25 gift card from UMB.
The other participants received trophies.
Thanks to the judges for the event: Steve Cheslik, Cass County Treasurer; Chris Molendorp, Cass County Collector; and Jeff Fletcher, Cass County Associate Commissioner. Thanks to Joyce Webb, retired teacher and library media specialist, for serving as the pronouncer.
Special thanks to the Peculiar Charitable Foundation for support and generation donation to make the event possible.