Big Buzz at Madera's First Spelling Bee

By Lucy Kirsch

On Thursday, Jan. 26, Madera Elementary School in El Cerrito had their very first Spelling Bee ever at school. Out of the 193 students in grades 4-6 who studied for their classroom bee over winter break, only 24 finalists made it to the school bee.

These studious finalists have been given a 450-word list ranging in difficulty level for students in grades 1-8. They've been practicing the study words at home and school. Their classroom teachers have been very supportive and encouraging. Many have watched the documentary Spellbound and were ready for the Madera School Bee. However, only one Madera Champion will represent our school for the district bee in March 2012.

On the big day, the finalists wore their bright yellow Spelling Bee T-shirts which were provided by the Madera PTA. Each participant spoke clearly and confidently into the microphone. They asked for definitions, they spelled their given word, they were all winners in my book.

The Bee lasted over 1-½ hours on day one. Surprisingly, the 200+ audience members – which consisted of fellow students in grades 4-6, parents and grandparents – were quiet as can be. With a dozen finalists remaining, Ms. Cotton, our MC and school principal, began using the "challenge" words.

About eight students were knocked out with the word erroneous. The top three  students remaining were Julia Walker (sixth grade), Gabrielle Bauzon (fifth grade), and Leah Carraher (sixth grade). The intensity in the room was a mix of dramatic silence, breathless nail-biting moments and overall a thrilling suspense! 

As a judge and fellow parent, I stared at the word list and couldn't imagine what these young girls were feeling. They sat on the stage in front of a huge crowd of onlookers eager to succeed. Even though the finalists appeared somewhat nervous, they stood tall, poised, and determined. After a few more rounds, only two remained: Gabrielle and Leah.

The Bee continued on Monday, Jan. 30, for the finale. The audience gathered once again to support their fellow classmates. The winning word was isosceles, spelled correctly by Gabrielle Bauzon, the 2012 Madera Champion. The English language is hard to spell and pronounce, but the fantastic smile on Gabrielle made every bit of the challenge a perfect accomplishment.

Ms. Cotton requested the 24 finalists to return to the stage and asked if they'd participate in the bee next year. She received an overwhelming "YES!" When asked how they prepared for the bee, the top two students explained they received help from their mom. Family participation and support is the key to a successful educational experience.

The top three students received gift cards from Barnes & Noble, Safeway and El Cerrito Natural Grocery. We thank our local merchants for their ongoing support and generosity. We thank our principal, Ms. Cotton, for bringing the Spelling Bee to Madera. We thank our teacher judges, Ms. Best & Ms. Bennett, for their tremendous contribution putting together our school's first bee. And lastly, I am honored to have been involved as a judge and working with dedicated teachers!