Call and Coffee Win Annual West Branch Spelling Bee

The competition was fierce at this year's West Branch Spelling Bee, featuring 24 contestants from grades 6-8. The winner earned the exciting opportunity to compete against students from other schools in the regional spelling bee at Youngstown State University (YSU), with a chance to advance to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Former superintendent Dr. Weingart had the honor once again of reading the words to the spellers. Seventh grader Brieanna Call, the runner-up last year, outlasted 6th grader Avery Cushman in a tense back-and-forth battle. Both spellers remained focused as the competition intensified. However, when Cushman stumbled on her word, it opened the door for Call. She confidently spelled "intestines" correctly, claiming this year's championship and earning the right to compete at YSU. Congrats to all the spellers from grades 6-8 for their great efforts.

In grades four and five, the field was once again packed with 24 contestants all wanting to take first place. Finally, the field was narrowed down to two contestants which saw 5th grader Kason Coffee spell the word “laurel” correctly and then calmly spelled “applause” correctly which was a fitting end because after, the crowd applauded his performance. Nolan Wolford finished in second place. Congratulations to all the spellers from grades 4th and 5th on their great efforts.