And the word which won the championship – serenity.
“S-E-R-E-N-I-T-Y,” Kyran Phasavong from North Habersham Middle confidently called each letter to hear Judges Dr. Christy Adams and Terri Byers respond, “That is correct!”
The Habersham County System Scripps Spelling Bee left everyone on the edge of their seat Wednesday afternoon, January 17, as word after word was called by Dr. Jonathan Stribling, Principal at Habersham Central High School.
Dr. Susan Davis, Director of Elementary Schools, welcomed the contestants and audience and explained the rules.
Eleven contestants vied for the championship, representing schools throughout the county. From 4th grade to 8th grade, students approached the microphone, hopeful to win the title.
This year’s contestants were:
- Baldwin Elementary – Jaydee Paramo; Alternate – Emily Pollard
- Clarkesville Elementary – Avery Morris; Alternate – Britain White
- Cornelia Elementary – Michael Valdez; Alternate – Ava Nichols
- Demorest Elementary – Hannah Scherer; Alternate – Maverick Randolph
- Fairview Elementary – Patrick Schupp; Alternate – Ava Meredith
- Hazel Grove Elementary – Harper Smith; Alternate – Carson Perry
- Level Grove Elementary – Peyton Williams; Alternate – Iker Bravo
- Woodville Elementary – Samantha Akin; Alternate – Liam Addis
- Hilliard Wilbanks Middle – Khamla Laosalie; Alternate – Jasmine Thongkhamlot
- North Habersham Middle – Kyran Phasavong; Alternate – Buck Manglitz
- South Habersham Middle – Oliver Mathews; Alternate – Kaylen Hartson
Parents, teachers, and friends gathered in the Habersham Central High School auditorium for support. After more than an hour, it all came down to two – Patrick Schupp of Fairview Elementary and Kyran Phasavong for North Habersham Middle, with Phasavong taking the championship and Schupp coming in second place.
Each contestant received a trophy as well as the alternates, which were given by Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin.
Superintendent Matthew Cooper attended the Bee to help cheer on the students.
Now Habersham presented Second Place Winner Patrick Schupp with a prize of $50, and the Scripps Spelling Bee Champion Kyran Phasavong received $100. Also in support of the event was Volunteers for Literacy.
