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
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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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Rt. 23 Southside • Exit 15 Off I88 THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE
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
Rt. 23 Southside • Exit 15 Off I88 THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE
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!
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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
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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
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THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE MARCH 4, 5 AND 6, 2020 9
Schenevus Central School
Sidney Central School
Valentina Carotenuto
Makayla Ruiz
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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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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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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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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.
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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.
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“You should never be proud of doing what’s right. You should just do what’s right.” 16
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— Dean Smith
THE DAILY STAR SPELLING BEE