From left, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and Special Programs Kerrie Johnston, spelling bee champion Makayla Ruiz, pronouncer Marjorie Pipes, and bee organizer Jacquelyn Neale.
Seventh grader Makayla Ruiz won this year’s Sidney Central School Spelling Bee on Thursday morning.
The bee, which featured 25 students in grades 6-8, lasted 10 rounds. Makayla easily spelled “diminutive” in the 10th round, and then calmly spelled “electrolysis” for her champion word.
Makayla, who was one of the final two in the Sidney bee last year, advances to the regional final, which will be held at 10 a.m. March 2 at SUNY Oneonta.
Retired music teacher Marjorie Pipes returned to serve as the pronouncer. The judges were Paula Dewey, Breanna Stock, Julia Wickersheim, and Jacquelyn Neale, who also organized the event.
The words and round Makayla had to spell are below:
1. Wool
2. Latch
3. Inspire
4. Knelt
5. Leopard
6. Dismissal
7. Miniature
8. Humanitarian
9. Martyr
10. Diminutive
Championship word: Electrolysis
For a full gallery of photos, please see below.