La Porte County students participate in spelling bee competition for a chance to visit Washington D.C.

La Porte County students participate in spelling bee competition for a chance to visit Washington D.C.

Students across La Porte County gathered together at Wanatah Public School for the Regional Spelling Bee competition on Thursday, March 14. This competition was sponsored by Kankakee Valley REMC for the 14th year. Dave Howell, facilities manager at Kankakee Valley REMC, has been there for the past 11 years. Over the years, he’s been able to experience a lot of students with excellent spelling skills.

Kankakee Valley REMC Sponsors LaPorte County Regional Spelling Bee 2024

Kankakee Valley REMC Sponsors LaPorte County Regional Spelling Bee 2024 42 Photos
Kankakee Valley REMC Sponsors LaPorte County Regional Spelling Bee 2024Kankakee Valley REMC Sponsors LaPorte County Regional Spelling Bee 2024Kankakee Valley REMC Sponsors LaPorte County Regional Spelling Bee 2024Kankakee Valley REMC Sponsors LaPorte County Regional Spelling Bee 2024

“It’s just great to see the hard work that these kids have put into the spelling bee,” Howell said. “There might not be too many athletes in this competition, so this is almost like their big game. They put a lot of time into preparing for this and it’s very rewarding to watch.”

In total, the competition consisted of 21 students across elementary and middle schools in La Porte County.

“We have contestants between third and eighth grade,” Howell said. “It’s nice because sometimes we might see repeat spellers over the years. They might start to get a feel for it at a younger age and come back winning it in a later competition. The experience that these students get here is only going to help them move forward.”

When it comes to moving forward, the winner of this competition is granted an opportunity to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.

“The trip to Washington D.C. is an all-expense paid trip for the student and their guardian,” Howell said. “The opportunities at that level are much more impressive. If a student is fortunate enough to make it until the second or third day of the competition, they have an opportunity to be featured on ESPN. It’s a great opportunity that all of these students would absolutely love to have.”

After eight rounds, it was determined who would be taking the trip. Nolan Roule from St. Johns Lutheran School was named the champion after he gave the correct spelling for frailty. He was ecstatic to be the last contestant standing in a competition with so many skilled spellers.

“It was awesome,” Roule said. “Between all the other contestants, they’re wonderful people and they’re definitely all really good at spelling.”

While Roule is very appreciative of the support that his peers have given him to pull off the victory in this competition, he also credits his devotion to literature as a big reason for being able to correctly spell each word.

“The authors from all the books that I’ve read have played a huge part,” Roule said. “For several years, I’ve loved to read every book in sight. That’s honestly where I get most of this from.”

The next step for Roule will be Washington D.C. He’s looking forward to the opportunity to spell on the biggest stage, but also has excitement for something else.

“There’s nothing I’m looking forward to more than the food,” Roule said. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The second-place finisher was Wyatt Bugg from South Central Elementary School. Third place was Daniel Brown from South Central Jr. Sr. High School. Both contestants were also presented with a trophy and cash prizes.

All the students were also rewarded with a $20 Amazon gift card and medallion at registration after winning their own individual school spelling bee competitions.

For more information about Kankakee Valley REMC and it’s commitment to the community, you can visit its website.