Fifth grader Miyah Lee wins Red Rock Elementary spelling bee

ROYAL CITY - Miyah Lee has won the Red Rock Elementary fifth grade spelling bee and the all school championship and will represent Royal at the regional spelling bee at Eastmont Junior High on March 20.

The bee was held last Thursday. Beginning at 10 a.m., the third and fourth graders, along with some parents, watched as 20 fourth graders students competed for 1st and 2nd place.

After about six rounds of spelling and eliminations, the fourth grade spelling bee winners were determined to be Alan Vargas (1st place) and Leonel Esparza (2nd place).

At 1 p.m., the third-fifth graders came to watch as 20 fifth graders competed for their championship. The fifth graders worked hard, and winners were determined after 10 rounds of tough spelling and eliminations.

The fifth grade winners were Caleb Christensen (1st place) and Miyah Lee (2nd place).

At the conclusion of the fifth grade spelling bee, the fourth grade winners competed against the fifth grade winners for a chance to represent Red Rock Elementary and Royal School District in the regional competition.

After multiple rounds of spelling, Miyah was declared champion, correctly spelling the word 'agreeable' to win. Caleb Christensen held his own and placed 2nd overall. Together they will represent Red Rock at the Regional Spelling Bee.

"All of the competitors did great and took the competition seriously, paying close attention throughout the competition and, exhibiting wonderful sportsmanship," school counselor Nicole Schwartz said.

"They would often pat their classmates on the back when they returned from spelling a word correctly or offer a 'great job' or 'good try' to those who did not.

All 40 contestants were awarded certificates for their effort and participation. The grade level winners were also awarded trophies.

Miyah received two trophies, one for taking second in the grade level competition and another larger one for winning the overall competition.