Students from Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Rochester recently put their spelling skills to the test. The annual Sister Mary Smith Invitational Spelling Bee took place April 30 at St. Mary School in Canandaigua.
Catholic schools previously held their own spelling bees for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders, then sent the school winners to compete in the April 30 contest.
“These student participants truly impressed the judges and audience with their confidence and preparation, correctly spelling challenging words through multiple rounds,” remarked Frank Arvizzigno, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools.
Luna Rogers, a fifth-grader at St. Michael School in Penn Yan, won the spelling bee in the 26th round by correctly spelling the word “parallel.” The second-place winner was Giancarlo Crocker of St. Ambrose Academy in Rochester, and the third-place winner was Jayce Johantgen, who represented St. Joseph School in Penfield.
“This was such a wonderful event that highlighted not only academic excellence but also perseverance, sportsmanship and school spirit,” Arvizzigno said.
Suzanne Pohorence, principal at St. Francis-St. Stephen School in Geneva, organized and ran the spelling bee with the assistance of several principals and teachers from other Catholic schools.
Tags: Catholic Schools
