Chehalis School District has announced the students who placed in the top five in Orin Smith Elementary’s annual spelling bee last month.
Fifth grade student Olivia Cherrington, placed first; Kale Cole, fourth grade, placed second; Aleu Kuol, fifth grade, placed third; Avery Morton, fourth grade, placed fourth; and Silas Shultz, fourth grade, placed fifth.
The school district congratulated the top five and all students who participated in the spelling bee in its weekly newsletter on Friday.
“During the spelling bee, students respectfully clapped for contestants who missed a word, showing empathy and good sportsmanship,” said Orin Smith Principal Rachel Dorsey. “And it’s wonderful to have an event that brings families and the community together!”
The spelling bee took place on April 29 and featured finalists from individual classrooms at Orin Smith.
“The energy in the room was different from what you may be used to in a school assembly setting,” said the Chehalis School District in a news release. “If you are accustomed to chatter and cheering, you’d be surprised to hear what sounded more like a tennis match. Anxious students sat on the edge of their seats as they listened to every syllable. Students listened intently and respectfully as each participant spelled their word.”
This level of encouragement honored each student who participated, said the district in the newsletter.
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