The Braxton County Spelling Bee, held on January 31, at Days Inn and Suites, was an exciting event for area schools’ top spellers. It was well attended by parents and community members. The top two spellers in both 4th and 5th grades from each elementary school as well as the top twelve spellers in each of 6th through 8th grades competed for top honors. Joel Sigman an 8th grade student at Braxton County Middle School emerged as County Spelling Champion.
Grade level rounds were held first to determine the top two spellers from each grade. These winners went on to compete in the championship round.
The top two spellers from 4th through 8th grade made up the competition. Representing the 4th Grade was: 1st Place Leah Rader from Davis Elementary and 2nd Place Emma Jane Liston of Sutton Elementary. The 5th Grade winners were: 1st Place Quynn Lemon from Flatwoods Elementary and 2nd Place Ira Ransbottom from Sutton Elementary. The 6th Grade winners were: 1st Place Natalie Garrett and Liam Harman both students at Braxton County Middle School. The 7th Grade winners were: 1st Place Brynne Davis and 2nd Place Savana Singleton both from Braxton County Middle School. First place winner James Johnson and 2nd Place Joel Sigman both from Braxton County Middle School represented the 8th Grade.
Joel Sigman, son of Doug and Denna Sigman of Sutton took home the Championship honors after successfully spelling the word “listener” in the 7th round. Second place went to James Singleton, while Savana Singleton took 3rd.
Joel and James will represent Braxton County in the Daily Mail Regional Spelling Bee to be held in March.
Organizers extended a “big thank you” to all that helped make the event happen, students who worked hard, exhibited great sportsmanship, and competed, parents who supported and cheered on spellers, staff and volunteers to run the bee, BCMS Engineering students for designing and manufacturing awards.
