Area Students Advance In Spelling Bee

Six students from Sarnia-Lambton have advanced to the southwestern Ontario Optimist Spelling Bee, taking place in Petrolia April 18.

53 students in Grades 3-8 competed in the local spelling bee Wednesday night at Sarnia Library, with the top two in each division advancing to the next round.

Organization for Literacy in Lambton GM Noelle Fisher says spelling bees are especially important in today's digital age.

The spelling bee was sponsored by the Sarnia-Lakeshore Optimist club. The winner and runner-up each won trophies in each division.

Gift cards were donated by the Book Keeper for all winners and runners-up.

15 students competed in Grade 3 and 3 division:

• First place: Mackenzie Willis of Errol Road Public School
• Second place: Dayla Picard of Lansdowne Public School
• Winning word: Mackenzie spelled "definition" correctly for the win.

24 students competed in Grade 5 and 6 division:

• First place: Ryan Pinel of St. Matthew Catholic School
• Second place: Kate Baresich of Brooke Central Public School
• Winning word: Ryan spelled "unconscious" correctly for the win.

14 students competed in Grade 7 and 8 division

• First place: Jack Vrolyk of Errol Road Public School
• Second place: Taren Snauwaert of Errol Road Public School
• Winning word: Jack spelled "auditorium" correctly for the win.