Milwaukee Public School (MPS) students had the chance to show off their spelling skills this December ahead of the annual district-wide Spelling Bee finals. Four schools—Bryant, Victory, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Maple Tree – held preliminary rounds to determine winners who will advance to the main event in April 2023.
At Maple Tree School, the ability to spell the word ‘syllable’ determined the winner on December 14, 2022. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 faced off in the challenge that required hard work, spelling smarts, poise, and composure. The top three spellers from the school will advance to the district-wide Spelling Bee finals in April.
First place went to fourth-grader Amira Thor-Montgomery. When asked about her success, Amira said she practiced at home and even had mock spelling bees with the help of her family.
Second place went to third-grader Timani Wilson, and third place was captured by fifth-grader D’Anthony Knox.
The district Spelling Bee promotes literacy skills such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking by offering learning through fun competition. Spelling is a life skill that will benefit students during ACT testing, college applications, scholarships, resume writing, and more.
“I’m filled with great pride,” said Dr. Patricia Ellis, MPS Director of Equity, Access, and Inclusion and organizer of the Spelling Bee. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop skills they’re going to use for a lifetime.”
More preliminary events will be held throughout the district in the coming months. Watch for the main event in April 2023!
