Burke-Memorial Elementary School Principal John Kelley is pleased to share that the school completed its first spelling bee competition in February. 

Third-grader Julianne Digiacomo was crowned as the spelling bee champion on Feb. 4 when she spelled the final word: “phenomenal.”

Fourth-grader Rhys Morse placed second and fourth-grader Caleb Raczkowski placed third.

The competition was voluntary and open to all students. Students from each grade — second, third and fourth grade — participated in the bee. Spelling lists were shared with teachers and parents for students to prepare outside of school.

The event took place over the last several weeks with students first participating in classroom-level spelling bees. Each classroom winner then participated in a semi-final round before semi-finalists competed in a final round which was held in a hybrid style. Parents and friends of the finalists, as well as the other semi-finalists, were able to attend the final round to watch in person. The event was also live-streamed to classrooms for the rest of the school to watch. 

The finalist round between the remaining three students lasted 16 rounds. All finalists received a medal and each classroom winner received a certificate.

“We were excited to hold this event for the first time this year, and were thrilled to see so many students who decided to participate,” Principal Kelley said. 

“Congratulations to Julianne on being crowned our first spelling bee winner, and to Rhys and Caleb for their success. I would also like to thank Assistant Principal Chris Terzigni and Librarian Nutan Mathew who worked to coordinate and organize the event for our students.