Fourth Invitational Spelling Bee

by Shannon James

On the frosty night of January 10, 2007 Bishop McNamara High School hosted the Fourth Invitational Spelling Bee. The event was sponsored by the Moreau society. The members assisted with seating, handing out programs, and answering questions. Thirty two middle-school and junior-high spellers arrived in the Fine Arts Theater, nervously fidgeting with their ties and dresses, preparing for the competition. Each contestant had the same goal and was wishing for the same outcome -- to become the 2007 Archdiocesan Champion Speller. The three judges were Mrs. Peggy Ball, Sarah Stuart of the class of 2007, and Mr. Alfred Odierno, of the English Department. Principal Marco Clark was the evening’s pronouncer, along side of Alani Mason-Callaway, a former spelling champion. Mrs. Gossart’s opening speech reminded all the contestants that they were already champions for making it this far. The spelling bee then began. The rules were simple -- the misspelling of a word would end a contestant’s chance at becoming the spelling champion.

The evening began with the middle school competition. The rounds were intense, and by Round 4 only four boys were left. Round after round the anxious participants walked up to the microphone and attempted to spell words like candidate and portfolio. After nine long rounds Patrick Sheerin from St. Mark’s School of Hyattsville spelled the word alligator correctly and became the 2007 Middle School Champion, followed by Dylan Ahunhodjaev from St. Bernadette School of Silver Spring, the runner up.

For the junior high competition Enam Kelly started off by spelling the word balcony. The words were harder and there were fewer rounds. A soft wave of laughter swept the room when Dominique Simmons examined his hand as he made an attempt to spell the word manicure. The contenders made an effort to spell words like percolate and agnostic along with influenza and mongrel. It came down to the battle of the two finalists, male vs. female. Enam Kelly from Mt. Calvary School of Forestville and Benjamin Beidleman from St. Anselm’s Abbey School of Washington D.C. were the only two people left in the competition. Benjamin accurately spelled the words origami and aliens, making him the official Junior High Spelling Bee Champion, with Enam coming in second place.