Spelling Bee

Rachel won her class spelling bee the week before fall break. Each 3rd grade and 4th grade classroom send a representative to compete in the school spelling bee. The school spelling bee was held on Friday afternoon. Rachel was quite nervous. They had a practice round just to let the kids get used to the microphone and to try to calm their nerves. Rachel was so nervous she actually was crying a little before it started. She made it through the practice round and then it was the real thing. During the first round there were several kids that got put out. It didn't take too long for the 14 kids to be narrowed down to three: Rachel, her friend Catherine, and a 3rd grader Nick. After any minute or two, it was down to the final two: Rachel and Catherine. I think at this point, Rachel was somewhat relieved. You see - she and Catherine are friends - they were in class together in 2nd and 3rd grade, they're in the gifted program together, and they've been friends since Katelyn & Virginia met each other in Kindermusik! Catherine is a very intelligent girl and an excellent reader with a phenomenal vocabulary. I think Rachel was thinking to herself "If I have to lose to anyone, it might as well be Catherine!" The spelling bee went a few more rounds with Catherine and Rachel correctly spelling their words one after another. Then Rachel made a mistake - it was a word she knew, but I think she just got a little anxious and didn't completely think through it. Catherine correctly spelled Rachel's word and then spelled the next word correctly to win the spelling bee. So Rachel came in second place. When it was over, the 2 girls leaned over and hugged each other and then gave each other five! It was so sweet! I know Rachel really wanted to win, but I'm so proud of her for getting up in front of everyone and doing so well! All of the 3rd & 4th graders were there to watch, along with all the 3rd & 4th grade teachers, specials teachers, parents, principal, and others! It would be nerve-wracking for anyone!!! Only the winner gets to advance, so that's the end of the spelling bee run for Rachel. But I'm so proud of her for the great job she did! Second place in the school spelling bee is awesome!!!

Rachel correctly spelling one of her words in the early rounds

The top three winners - the boy is in 3rd grade and Rachel & Catherine are 4th graders!
The winners with our principal, Mrs. Malone

The winners again

Friends and winners!

Rachel's teacher took this picture when Rachel got back to the classroom. Her classmates cheered for her when she walked in and they had made her notes and signs congratulating her!