Top spellers take the stage

CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — Under the stage lights of the Martin County High School auditorium April 29, the county’s sharpest young minds stepped up to the mic, letter by letter, in a battle of nerves, syllables and silent letters. It was the annual Martin County School District Spelling Bee and the pressure was as thick as a Webster’s unabridged.

When the final word was spelled and the applause died down, it was Paige Stafford, a fifth grader from Eden Elementary, who walked away with the trophy—and the title of district champion.

Just behind her, classmate Blaine Williams proved Eden’s fifth graders were a force to be reckoned with, snagging second place after a strong showing.

Martin County Middle School swept the remaining spots in the top five.

Morgan Allen, an eighth grader, landed in third.

Liam Ferrell, representing seventh grade, took fourth.

Eighth grader Landon Hager rounded out the group in fifth.

Martin County Schools Superintendent Larry James presented trophies and praised the students for their preparation and impeccable spelling.