MOUNT VERNON – Edward Ernest, Gab Cabarcas and Vincent Jiang will represent Mount Vernon Middle School in next month’s Knox County Spelling Bee.
The three prevailed as champions in their recent in-school, grade-level bees.
Ernest claimed the sixth-grade title by correctly spelling “atrium” to conclude the 13th round. Aiden Gilmore was runner-up in a field that included 12 spellers.
Cabarcas correctly spelled “conscience” to win the seventh-grade bee in the fifth round. Maria Scarazza was runner-up in a field of nine students.
The eighth-grade title went to Vincent Jiang, who prevailed in a field of 10 by correctly spelling “fiberglass” in the eighth round. Asher Reed was runner-up.
The three champions will advance to compete against bee winners from Centerburg, Danville, East Knox and Fredericktown in the Knox County Spelling Bee at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 in the Mount Vernon High School auditorium. The Knox County Commissioners will again serve as judges.
The county bee is facilitated by the Knox County Educational Service Center with financial support from the Mount Vernon Rotary Club.
Taylor Gingery, the ESC’s gifted and talented coordinator, helps to arrange the in-school bees in each district and will be the pronouncer at the county bee.