The Daily Star's 2020 Spelling Bee Tab

SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONS

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A publication of The Daily Star, Wednesday, March 4, 2020

JULIE LEWIS | THE DAILY STAR

Melodie Loya, of Sidney LEAH, is handed her championship trophy by Fred Scheller, publisher of The Daily Star, at the conclusion of the 17th annual Regional Spelling Bee in Goodrich Theater at the State University College at Oneonta in March, 2019. At right is Nicholas Savin, district superintendent at ONC BOCES.

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Region’s best spellers to compete in Oneonta

By Sarah Eames Staff Writer

SPELLING

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For the past 18 years, the Spelling Bee program has continued to foster language arts enrichment education for more than 35 schools in The Daily Star readership region. The school champions compete for the regional title and to earn an opportunity to advance to the National Scripps Spelling Bee competition to be held this summer in Washington DC. Thanks to the facilities support from SUNY College at Oneonta, the event returns to its home at the Goodrich Theater on March 7, 2020. DCMO BOCES coordinates this program and extends a warm welcome to the local school champions, their families and our educators who work behind the scenes to make this happen. We invite everyone to join us to cheer and celebrate the efforts of these bright students.

To learn more about the spelling bee competition, please visit https://www.dcmoboces.com/SPELLINGBEEPROGRAM.aspx 2

MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020

Twenty local students are preparing to compete in the annual regional spelling bee at SUNY Oneonta this weekend.

The regional bee will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 7 at the Goodrich Theater.

Students from 19 component schools in the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego and the Otsego-Northern Catskills BOCES qualify for participation in the program, according to program coordinator Martha Ryan.

This year, students from Afton, Cooperstown, Edmeston, Jefferson, Oneonta, Oxford, Cherry Valley-Springfield, Delaware Academy, Franklin, Morris, Otselic Valley, Schenevus, Sidney, Stamford, South Kortright, Unadilla Valley, Unatego and Worcester schools will compete.

The winner of the regional bee will advance to compete in the national finals in National Harbor, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., in May. “For every one student we send

to the national competition, there’s about a thousand students preparing for it,” Ryan said. “That’s the biggest benefit — thousands of kids learning new words.”

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program, according to the organization. The purpose of the Bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage.

“This is workforce development at its best,” Ryan said. “We’re preparing students to read schematics, to read directions, to read manuals — being inquisitive about words improves their chances in the workforce.”

The Daily Star’s three-year reigning champion, Bainbridge teenager Melodie Loya, delivered her final performance at last year’s national competition, making it to the seventh round before misspelling “theileriasis.”

Loya made it to the sixth round in 2017 and 2018 — tying for 25th and 18th place, respectively — finding herself just one round away from THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE

“For every one student we send to the national competition, there’s about a thousand students preparing for it. That’s the biggest benefit — thousands of kids learning new words.”

Martha Ryan, program coordinator

JULIE LEWIS | THE DAILY STAR

Meghan Hadley, right, of Delaware Academy, second place, claps for Melodie Loya, of Sidney LEAH, champion of the 17th annual Regional Spelling Bee at the State University College at Oneonta in March, 2019.

the championship finals each time.

“Melodie is a hard act to follow,” Ryan said of the three-year local champion. “I think she raised the bar for everybody.

“Our local sponsors are the foundation of the Bee,” said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. “They make it possible for our program to have a positive impact on an estimated 11 million students.”

“Supporting the regional spelling bee program is an honor and a small contribution to preparing the workforce of the future,” said Fred Scheller, publisher of The Daily Star. “When we inspire stu-

dents to read and to build vocabulary, we impact their opportunities to be successful in all careers.”

The Daily Star covers the travel expenses for the regional champion speller and one parent or guardian. A Spelling Bee Community Fund covers the event expenses and is seeking businesses and individuals to pledge support.

For more information, contact Martha Ryan at 607-335-1292.

Sarah Eames, staff writer, can be reached at seames@thedailystar.com or 607-441-7213. Follow her @DS_SarahE on Twitter.

THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020 3

Afton Central School

Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School

Jyllian Garipoli

Curtis Hurley

J

Champions

Jyllian is an 8th grader attending Afton Central School. Her favorite hobbies are reading and crocheting. According to Jyllian, her mother is the inspiration behind her success with reading and vocabulary.

8th Grade WINNING WORD:

hazmat

C

Curtis is an 8th grader attending Cherry ValleySpringfield Central School. He enjoys reading and learning very much. Curtis won his school spelling bee with the word t-e-a-k!

8th Grade WINNING WORD:

teak

Congratulations

CURTIS HURLEY on your school spelling bee win.

Good luck at regional competition!

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MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020

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Cooperstown Central School

Delaware Academy

Punya Phaugat

Dalilah Synan

P

Champions

Punya is a 7th grader attending Cooperstown Central School. Her favorite sport is swimming.

Punya said that her parents have been her inspiration to read and learn vocabulary.

7th Grade WINNING WORD:

curtail

D

Dalilah is a 6th grader attending Delaware Academy Central School. Dalilah won her school bee by spelling the word s-t-i-r-r-u-p-s correctly.

She enjoys reading and vocabulary.

6th Grade WINNING WORD:

stirrups

THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020 5

Edmeston Central School

Franklin Central School

Preston Graham

Alen Ibrahimovic

P

Champions

Preston is an 8th grader at Edmeston Central School who enjoys reading and learning new words. Preston won his school spelling bee by spelling the word s-o-l-a-r correctly.

8th Grade WINNING WORD:

solar

A

Alen is a 6th grader attending Franklin Central School. Reading and writing is an important activity for Alen. He won his school level spelling bee by spelling the word M-a-d-a-g-a-s-c-a-r correctly.

6th Grade WINNING WORD:

Madagascar

Congratulations

PRESTON GRAHAM on your school spelling bee win.

Good luck at regional competition!

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MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020

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Jefferson Central School

Morris Central School

Mitchell Dorosky

Hailey Canfield

M

Champions

Mitchell is a 7th grader attending Jefferson Central School. Reading and learning new words is very important to him. Mitchell won his school spelling bee by spelling the word c-h-a-l-k correctly.

7th Grade WINNING WORD:

chalk

H

Hailey Canfield is a 6th grader attending Morris Central School. Her favorite sport is softball.

Hailey recognizes her family as her best inspiration to learn and read. She also gives the credit for her love of reading to her teachers.

6th Grade WINNING WORD:

withers

THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020 7

L

Norwich City Schools

Oneonta Middle School

Leona Tyler

Hafsa Abdul Rahim

Champions

Leona is an 8th grader attending Norwich City Schools. Theater is one of her many passions.

She also enjoys reading. Leona won her school spelling bee by spelling the word c-o-i-n-c-i-d-en-c-e correctly.

8th Grade WINNING WORD:

coincidence

H

Hafsa is a 7th grader attending Oneonta Middle School. Her favorite hobby is hand lettering.

When asked who her inspiration was to read and learn vocabulary, she said that her father is her support and role model.

7th Grade WINNING WORD:

structural

Congratulations

LEONA TYLER

on your school spelling bee win.

Good luck at regional competition!

NOW SERVING BREAKFAST!

6am-10am ~ Drive Thru Only

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MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020

Rt. 23 Southside • Exit 15 Off I88 THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE

Otselic Valley Central School

Oxford Academy

Josie Guernsey

Meeya Cummings

J

Champions

Josie is a 6th grader attending Otselic Valley Central School. She enjoys reading and takes pride in her love of words. Josie gives credit to her librarian, Mrs. Hammer, for inspiring her to read and learn words. She won the school spelling bee competition with the word m-u-t-a-t-e.

6th Grade WINNING WORD:

mutate Congratulations

helium

MEEYA CUMMINGS

on your school spelling bee win.

Good luck at regional competition!

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8th Grade WINNING WORD:

Congratulations

JOSIE GUERNSEY

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M

Meeya is an 8th grader attending Oxford Academy.

Her favorite sport is volleyball and her favorite hobby is reading! According to Meeya, her best friend from Quakertown, Jaclyn, is her inspiration to read and learn vocabulary.

on your school spelling bee win.

Good luck at regional competition!

Rt. 23 Southside • Exit 15 Off I88

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6am-10am ~ Drive Thru Only

Rt. 23 Southside • Exit 15 Off I88

THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020 9

Schenevus Central School

Sidney Central School

Valentina Carotenuto

Makayla Ruiz

V

Champions

Valentina is a 6th grader attending Schenevus Central School. She loves to read and building vocabulary is one of her many interests. Valentina won the school spelling bee competition spelling the word f-u-c-h-s-i-a correctly.

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MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020

6th Grade WINNING WORD:

fuchsia

M

Makayla is an 8th grader attending Sidney Central School. In her free time, she likes to cuddle with her dog and play Minecraft. According to Makayla, her grandma is her inspiration to read and learn vocabulary. She said that she is always there to help her and give her advice.

8th Grade WINNING WORD:

helicline

THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE

South Kortright Central School

Stamford Central School

Olivia Westcott

Jack Glenn

O

Champions

Olivia is an 8th grader attending South Kortright Central School. Olivia’s favorite sport is basketball.

Olivia gives credit to her librarian, Mrs. Sobers, for inspiring her to read by making reading exciting.

8th Grade WINNING WORD:

abated

J

Jack is an 8th grader at Stamford Central School who enjoys reading and learning new words very much. Jack won his school spelling bee competition by spelling the word w-r-i-t-e-r-s correctly.

8th Grade WINNING WORD:

writers

THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020 11

Unadilla Valley Central School

Unatego Middle School

Nate Rumovicz

Kyrstin Button

N

Champions

Nate is an 8th grader at Unadilla Valley Central School who enjoys reading and sports. He won his school spelling bee competition by spelling the word b-e-a-t-b-o-x-i-n-g correctly.

8th Grade WINNING WORD:

beatboxing

K

Kyrstin is a 7th grader at Unatego Middle School.

She enjoys reading and building vocabulary. She won her school spelling bee event by spelling the word o-p-p-o-r-t-u-n-i-t-y correctly.

7th Grade WINNING WORD:

opportunity

Congratulations

NATE RUMOVICZ on your school spelling bee win.

Good luck at regional competition!

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MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020

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Worcester Central School

Emerson Riley

E

Congratulations students on being your school spelling bee champion!

Champions

We wish you the best of luck at regional competition.

Emerson is a 6th grader attending Worcester Central School who enjoys drawing very much.

She likes drawing friends and family cartoons.

Emerson’s inspiration is her little brother, Ezekiel, because she wants him to have someone to look up to.

6th Grade WINNING WORD:

scattering

The Daily Star’s WINNING WORDS:

Keep on spelling!

In Print & Online Music, Art & Entertainment

607-432-1000 • 102 Chestnut St., Oneonta • thedailystar.com

THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020 13

Join our champions!

18th Annual Daily Star Spelling Bee Competition

School

Name

Winning Word

Afton Central School

Jyllian Garipoli

hazmat

Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School

Curtis Hurley

teak

Cooperstown Central School

Punya Phaugat

curtail

Delaware Academy

Dalilah Synan

stirrups

Edmeston Central School

Preston Graham

solar

Franklin Central School

Alen Ibrahimovic

Madagascar

Jefferson Central School

Mitchell Dorosky

chalk

Morris Central School

Hailey Canfield

withers

Norwich City Schools

Leona Tyler

coincidence

Oneonta Middle School

Hafsa Abdul Rahim

structural

Otselic Valley Central School

Josie Guernsey

mutate

Oxford Academy

Meeya Cummings

helium

Schenevus Central School

Valentina Carotenuto

fuchsia

Sidney Central School

Makayla Ruiz

helicline

South Kortright Central School

Olivia Westcott

abated

Stamford Central School

Jack Glenn

writers

Unadilla Valley Central School

Nate Rumovicz

beatboxing

Unatego Central School

Kyrstin Button

opportunity

Worcester Central School

Emerson Riley

scattering

Recognizing MERRIAM-WEBSTER Spelling Champion Award Sponsor

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MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2020 SUNY Oneonta Goodrich Theater 10:00 am All Welcome!

THANK YOU EVENT SUPPORTERS! Allied Financial Partners ARC Otsego Benson Agency Real Estate Brandow’s Feed & Seed Brooks’ House of BBQ Carlo Masi Sons and Daughter Catskill Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Charles L. Jacobi Post 183 Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP Country Club Motors David M. Dugan and Mary Dugan Fidelis Care Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home Mostert, Manzanero & Scott NBT Bank NYCM Otsego Delaware Board of Realtors Tette & Ingersoll The ARC Otsego The Delaware National Bank of Delhi THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE

HISTORY NOTES The National Spelling Bee began in 1925 when nine newspapers joined together to host a spelling bee.

Little did they know that 90 years later their literacy effort would reach 11 million students each year. The Daily Star became the region’s sponsor 18 years ago, giving 41 schools in the region the opportunity to compete at the school, regional and national level.

On average, since 2016, more than 11 million students compete at the local level. Eighth graders are the majority competing at the event. However, the event has attracted young students from as early as second grade. The only years without competition were from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. In 2019, eight students tied for first place, making the National Spelling Bee event a very exciting competition to watch.

Melodie Loya, a competitor from Bainbridge, represented The Daily Star at the National Spelling Bee competition for three years in a row. She was the only student to secure a place in the final 50.

DAILY

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The 2020 Spelling Bee event will be held on Saturday, March 7 at the SUNY Oneonta Goodrich Theater beginning at 10 a.m. The event is open to the public. This program is supported by contributions from multiple business owners and community members. To learn more about the Spelling Bee program or to find out ways to lend support, contact the program coordinator, Martha Ryan, at 607-335-1292 or by email at ryanm@dcmoboces.com.

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The Spelling Bee program is open to public, private and home schools in The Daily Star readership region. DCMO BOCES coordinates the program for all schools. SUNY Oneonta provides the facilities and technical support for the event. Three judges have supported the regional competition for many years. Dr. Paul French, a professor at SUNY Oneonta, Julia Suarez, a retired professor at Hartwick College, and Mary Dugan, a speech pathologist are the judges for the event. The masters of ceremonies, Robert Cairns is the managing editor and columnist at The Daily Star.

THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020 15

CONGRATULATIONS CHAMPIONS! Your dedication to excellence shows. Good luck to all spelling bee winners at regional competition.

EMPIRE TOYOTA In Oneonta Since 1989

In Oneonta Since 1992

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“You should never be proud of doing what’s right.

You should just do what’s right.”

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MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020

— Dean Smith

THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE