Letter to the Editor - Thanks to all for success of Hill County Spelling Bee

Dear Editor:

A large-scale competition such as a county spelling bee requires a great team of talented officials, and this year’s 55th Hill County Spelling Bee was orchestrated through a lineup of gifted, dedicated retired teachers, current school teachers/administrators and county officials. Without their help an event of this scale could not be gifted to our students.

Crucial financial support for this event was provided by Independence Bank for Chamber of Commerce gift certificates for the top three finishers: $50, $25 and $25.

There were 63 students (eight alternates), fourth through eighth grade, participating and each of these students were winners at local district spelling bees that were arranged by these teachers/administrators: Box Elder Schools, Curt Leeds; Cottonwood West School, Monica Mattson; Cottonwood North School, Lona Gibbs; Gildford Colony School, Noel Kruse; Havre Middle School, Dustin Kraske; Home School, Lori Alisch; North Star School, Jessica Myers; Rocky Boy School, Rachel Seiler; St. Jude Thaddeus School, Katie Kopp, and Sunnyside School, Carrie Gillen.

The Havre Middle School Assembly Room Feb. 17 was the site of the competition with essential organizational help provided by HMS Principal Dustin Kraske, Vice Principal Jeremiah Nitz and Head of Maintenance Brent King.

The officials helping at the spelling bee were composed of two past Hill County superintendents of schools, a current Hill County commissioner, a Havre High School counselor, a Box Elder school principal and six retired teachers, five from Havre High School and one from Box Elder. These event organizers were: Pronouncer of Words Marie Deegan; judges Diane McLean, Carol Pleninger and Jackie Hanson; round keeper, Char Sticka; registration, Karen Murri; seating director Julie Monson. The event was filmed by Curt Leeds.

This year’s winner Lyvia Little, Havre Middle School, proved herself a worthy speller as she fought with another worthy speller, Aiden Harkins, HMS, through seven rounds, ending at Round 21, to finally win the event. Kenyon Roberts, HMS, also academically battled for his third-place finishs. Lyvia will represent Hill County at the state level during the upcoming Treasure State Spelling Bee held March 12 at the Montana State University campus in Bozeman.

Just as important, this opportunity for all contestants would not have been possible without the dedication of our educational community (retired and current teachers/administrators) and the financial support from Independence Bank … all keenly interested in what will benefit our youth. We owe them our thanks!

Gratefully,

Vicki Proctor

Hill County Superintendent of Schools