From left: 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.

Eighth grader Makayla Ruiz won the Sidney Central School District Spelling Bee for the second straight year.

The bee featured 26 students thus year from grades 6-8, and lasted 11 rounds. Makayla’s championship word was “helicline.” 

 

Makayla and Muhammad Bhatti were the finalists this year, and went through three championship rounds. In three years competing in Sidney’s Spelling Bee, Makayla has won twice and was a finalist in her first year.

 

Makayla advances to the regional final, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 7 at SUNY Oneonta. The winner of regionals advances to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland  from May 24-29. 

 

For a full gallery of photos, please see below.