Greene County School System held its annual county-wide Spelling Bee on February 8, in the Board of Education meeting room. Competing this year were Tionna Thornton, an 8th grader at Carson Middle School, Akiyrey Breeding, a 4th grader at  Greensboro Elementary School, Ciara Maroschak, a 5th grader at Lake Oconee Academy, Katlin Third, a 6th grader at Lake Oconee Academy Middle School, and Treasure Butler, a 5th grader at Union Point Elementary School. Barbara Ross, GCSS Speech-Language Pathologist, served as the Spelling Bee caller.

Katlin was named the county-wide Spelling Bee winner after successfully out spelling the other students. Ciara placed 2nd, followed by Akiyrey, 3rd, Treasure, 4th, and Tionna, 5th. 

“Our county-wide Spelling Bee was a great experience for all of the students in our schools. To be able to progress to the county Bee was significant and worthy of commendation for the schools and grade level champions,” said Superintendent Dr. Barbara Pulliam Davis. “Special congratulations are extended to Katlin, who will represent Greene County very well at the next level.”

Katlin will compete in the district Spelling Bee on February 25, at 10 a.m. at Putnam County Middle School in Eatonton. Ciara will serve as alternate.

“Each student represented his or her school admirably. It is quite an accomplishment being noted as the spelling champion in your school,” stated Dr. Tucker, CEO of Lake Oconee Academy. “I am very proud of Katlin and Ciara and how they represented Lake Oconee Academy. They competed well, encouraging each other in each round. Their sportsmanship and spelling proficiency was exemplary.”

Priscilla Jones, GES Literacy Coach, served as the county-wide Spelling Bee Coordinator.

“All of the students represented their school with pride and dignity. To be chosen to represent your school as the School Spelling Bee Champ is indeed an accomplishment,” Jones said. “Congratulations to Katlin for a job well done! Hats off to all of our spellers.”

The students were recognized by the Greene County BOE Monday night during their work session.