Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Public Schools held its annual spelling bee finals in April, distinguishing students in grades 3 through 8 with academic dedication. The final contests for the younger division took place on April 12, while the older students competed on April 19. Each grade level crowned its own winner.

This year, 41 schools participated, conducting preliminaries to select representatives for the district finals. Students prepared by studying a list of over 400 words, reflecting the spelling bee's role as a platform for academic competition that underlines skills such as public speaking and critical thinking.

"Congratulations to our top spellers!" was the sentiment from the district as they announced the winners:

In Grade 3, the winning word was "glistened," with Ella Fernandez from IDEAL School named champion. Cameron Barki of Lowell International School secured second place, followed by Yzabella Patterson from 95th Street School in third.

Grade 4 students were challenged with "broach." Jhamar M. Scott from Grantosa Drive School emerged as the champion, with Khloe N. Dorsey and Silas Otero earning second and third place, respectively.

Benjamin R. Keto from Bay View Montessori School claimed victory in Grade 5 with the word "dignitaries." Jade C. Fenceroy and Samadhi Henry came in next for the same grade level.

Calder M. Lucas from Maryland Avenue Montessori School triumphed in Grade 6 with "urchins," ahead of Aiden J. Polivka and Charlotte A. Carter.

The Grade 7 competition saw Vivienne Parente Da Costa from Maryland Avenue Montessori School win with the word "melee," while Snigdha Vipparthi and Logan Buchanan followed.

Lastly, in Grade 8, "squalid" led Joshua L. Bawizauk of Wedgewood Park International School to the top spot. Gabriela Sanabria-Mata and Gianna Hernandez finished second and third, respectively.

Spelling bees strengthen capabilities that extend beyond academia, with Milwaukee students showing impressive mastery of the English language.