From left, Sidney CSD Superintendent Dr. William Christensen, Jessy Gardner, pronouncer Marjorie Pipes, and speling bee organizer Jacquelyn Neale.
Sidney Central School District eighth grader Jessy Gardner won the annual spelling bee on Thursday, as she calmly spelled the word “uncoquettish” to earn the championship.
Uncoquettish is an adjective meaning not trifling: sincere.
Gardner earned a spot in the regional final, held at 10 a.m. March 3 at SUNY Oneonta. The regional winer advances to the 91st Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. from May 29-31, 2018.
The championship lasted three rounds, not including three attempts at championship words. The finals were between Gardner and Makayla Ruiz. A total of 25 students participated in the bee.
Music teacher Marjorie Pipes served as the pronouncer. The judges were Paula Dewey, Kelly Newman, and Julia Wickersheim. Jacquelyn Neale organized the event.
A full gallery of photos will appear on the website and Sidney social media next week.