Daniels wins Hill County Spelling Bee

Press release

The 54th Annual Hill County Spelling Bee was held Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Havre Middle School assembly room with approximately 70 spellers from nine of the county's schools. Participating schools included Box Elder, Cottonwood, Davey, Gildford Colony, Havre Sunnyside Intermediate, Havre Middle School, North Star, Rocky Boy and St. Jude Thaddeus School.

At 9 a.m., the contest kicked off with a practice round with Maggie Daniels of Havre Middle School chosen as the first speller in a blind draw. After two and a half hours of hard spelling Maggie Daniels stood alone, correctly spelling the word "fiduciary" to claim the championship. Close behind was another HMS student, last year's winner, sixth-grader Sophia Purkett, claiming second place. Also from HMS, sixth-grader Lyvia Little took third. Jake Eagleman of Box Elder looked like the early winner, but was unable to spell "consortium" in the initial championship round, thus reinstating all spellers from the previous round.

The Spelling Bee concluded with plaques donated by Independence Bank awarded to the top three spellers, along with gift cards of $100, $50 and $25 donated by Bear Paw Credit Union. The organizers of the bee thank Bear Paw Credit Union and Independence Bank for their community spirit and generosity in providing these prizes.

Judges for the event were Vicki Hilliard, Marj Suek and Sandy Wilson. Jacqueline Hanson served as the pronouncer. Judy Jones registered spellers and handed out certificates of participation. Spelling Bee director was Hill County Superintendent of Schools, Marie Deegan.

As winner, Daniels will represent Hill County in the 55th Annual Treasure State Spelling Bee. The 2020 Treasure State Spelling Bee will be held Saturday, March 14, at 1 p.m. in the Strand Union Building on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman.

State bee Director Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools Matt Henry said the bee will feature the top 60 spellers in grades four through eight from more than 250 public and private schools across Montana.

Radio and newspaper columnist Chrysti "The Wordsmith" Smith will be pronouncing and journalists with the Montana Television Network will be officiating.

Prizes will be awarded to the top spellers and the first-place speller will represent Montana at the 2020 Scripps National Spelling Bee for a chance to win $50,000 and other prizes.