Photo provided by the Rotary Club of Peterborough
More than 4,000 students competed in school-level spelling bees for a chance to participate in the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Regional Spelling Bee, held May 3 at Fleming College.
In the junior division (Grades 4 to 6), Verna Conlin-Hanley of St. Anne CES took first place, followed by Kieran Scerri from Kawartha Montessori School and Olivia Best of Queen Elizabeth PS. In the intermediate division (Grades 7 to 8), Henry Sharpe from Adam Scott Intermediate PS finished first, with Tyler Phillips of St. Teresa CES and Shreyas Balakrishnan from Kaawaate East City PS rounding out the top three.
Winners received a range of prizes, including a week at Trent Excalibur Camp and Camp Kawartha, bicycles from Canadian Tire, Lessons at the Art School of Peterborough, a party at Zap Attack Laser Tag, tickets to local events courtesy of Miskin Law, and funds for their schools’ literacy programs.
Now in its 11th year, the Rotary Spelling Bee supports youth literacy while helping students build confidence and public speaking skills. The event aligns with Rotary International’s focus on literacy as a global priority.
The Rotary Club of Peterborough, established in 1921, continues to support local and international causes through community events like the Spelling Bee.
(Written By: Scott Arnold)
