Georgiana student wins spelling bee

Published 3:12 pm Tuesday, February 8, 2011

From left, Zachary Kendrick of McKenzie School, Adair Garrett of Greenville Middle School, Butler County Spelling Bee runner-up Jalia Pennington of Greenville Elementary and Justin Cobb of Georgiana School, winner of the Butler County Spelling Competition 2011.Cobb will go on to represent the county at the state spelling bee. (Advocate Staff, Angie Long)

The county’s top spellers gathered in McKenzie on a rainy Friday morning to see who was the best of the best.

McKenzie School hosted the 2011 Butler County School System Spelling Bee, with the winners from Greenville Elementary, Greenville Middle School, Georgiana School and McKenzie School competing for the chance to go on to the state spelling bee.

Minie Coon served as the pronouncer for the event with Gloria Hartley providing audio/dictionary services.

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Justin Cobb of Georgiana School took home the trophy as Top Speller with the winning word “alcove,” with Jalia Pennington of GES as the runner-up. Also competing and receiving medals of participation were Adair Garrett of GMS and Zackary Kendrick of MHS.

School alternates Grayson McCall of GMS; Turner Vickery of Georgiana and Kelsie McCullough of MHS were also presented with medals by McKenzie Principal Randy Williams. Betty McQueen, Michelle Myrick, Jessica Sadler and Susan Andrews served as sponsors for the students.
Event organizer Fay Stokes extended thanks to the community partners providing gift certificates and prizes, including The Edge Theater, Emily’s Café, Polka Dots Café, Walgreens and the Butler County Community Education Program.

Following the spelling bee, all those in attendance were invited school counselor Carol Williams to enjoy refreshments, including Steamboat Sandwiches and finger foods.