After almost three months of practice, 23 dedicated middle school students participated in the St. John’s Episcopal School annual spelling bee last week, under the leadership of librarian Jennifer Powers. Congratulations go to this year’s winner, eighth grader Molly Fagelman. Molly won after 16 rounds by spelling the word “residential” after battling it out for three rounds with runner-up Caden Robert (sixth grade).

In addition to Molly and Caden, fifth graders Roman Childress, Aidan Moran and Will Moore finished in the top five. Congratulations to all who participated!

Molly will progress to the Dallas County spelling bee in February. The winners from that competition (one student representing a private school and one public school student) will advance to the regional spelling bee in March and compete with winners from 35 counties.