On December 17, 2025, 12 finalists from grades seven and eight participated in the Junior High spelling bee. All of the seventh and eighth grade students gathered in the auditorium to watch the event and the junior high cheerleaders performed.
The competition began in November, when all seventh and eighth grade students participated in classroom spelling bees. They each got a chance to study 50 words and later were asked to spell 15 of them on paper. The top spellers from each grade were invited to participate in the school-wide semifinal on December 9 in the library. From there the top six students from each grade were then invited to participate in the finals on December 17.
The six eight grade finalists Alina Benly, Eimann Nauman, Mayori Cavanagh, Michelle George, Christian Mathew and Kimberly Krafchik competed with the six seventh grade finalists Matthew Kunjbehari, Liam Heggelke, Anika Kler, Zoe Lee and Ayaan Kasmani. However, of 12 finalists, Christian Mathew won by spelling the word “deuce” correctly.
“Christan is now participating in the regional portion of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. He’ll compete virtually during the first weeks of February against school-wide winners from all over the area,” English department chairperson Dr. Otton said.
“When I won the School Scripps Spelling Bee, I felt ecstatic because I knew that all my hard work had won in the end. I was also extremely grateful given that so many people were supporting me. My friends at lunch and even my grandpa at home encouraged me,” eighth grader Christian Mathew said. “If I had to give advice to any upcoming spellers to win bees, it would be utilizing the language of origin, looking for patterns among words, knowing prefixes and suffixes along with roots, and ultimately finding what works best for you.”
The junior high cheerleaders also played a role in creating an energetic and encouraging environment during the event.
“I speak on behalf of the cheerleaders when I say that we are so proud of everyone that made it to finals and we will always believe that they are winners,” seventh grader Aaliyah Dixon said.
