On Tuesday night, Liberty Hall was packed for an evening of academic competition. A total of 32 students earned their spot on the decorated stage for the annual Belle Aire Spelling Bee.
“It takes tremendous courage for these kids to get up on stage and spell in front of a crowd,” Beth Keller, the bee’s coordinator said, “they did a great job and I am very proud of them.”
Mira Robinson, a third grader, won in the eighth round, earning the coveted title of Belle Aire Champion. The winning word was "peasantry." Her celebration of victory began with a hug from her competitor and friend, Evie Wiseman, who finished in second place.
Robinson will go on to take an online semifinal test for a spot in the next round. If she qualifies, Mira will compete at the Scripps College of Communications at Ohio University.
OU serves as one of the many preliminary hosts for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. More than 11 million students participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee each year.
“Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the Spelling Bee,” Keller said, “best wishes to Mira as she prepares for the next level of competition.”