Today's 2024 Caldwell County Schools Spelling Bee showcased the exceptional spelling abilities of middle school students in grades 6-8. After seven rounds of spelling challenges, Anita Thao, an eighth grader at Gamewell Middle School, emerged victorious.

"We are excited to recognize and celebrate our students' accomplishments in this year’s event," said Anna Crooks, Middle School Director. "Their hard work and commitment to honing their language skills have truly paid off."

After the eight participants tackled difficult words, such as “arable, bilge, and propitious,” Kaitlyn Ackley, Granite Falls Middle eighth-grader, prevailed to secure the runner-up position, and Guy Grimbeek, an eighth grader representing Happy Valley School, finished third.

The annual event, sponsored by the Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County, provides each participant with prize money, and the top three finishers received a dazzling trophy. The spelling champion was awarded $100, the second place $50, and the third place received $35. The remaining participants received $10 each, and all were given a certificate of recognition.

In addition to the top three finalists, the following students competed in this year’s spelling bee: Izabella Lewis, Caldwell Online Academy; Charli Wood, Collettsville School; Kove Lewis, Kings Creek School; Ava Philyaw, Hudson Middle School and Lillia Sherwood, William Lenoir Middle School.

As champion, Thoa secured a seat at the 2024 Carolina Panthers Regional Spelling Bee in March, an event presented by Bank of America.