Willow Elementary sent ten students to the city spelling bee on Feb. 9 that was held at Slavens (K-8) School. They are all identified as Gifted and Talented, according to Principal Catrina Pazo.
In its second year competing in the city bee, Willow had one winner who will head to the first round of the Colorado State Spelling Bee on Feb. 28:
Rudy Morales-Egizi (4th Grade Twice Exceptional GT student).
“It was a very intense environment, almost like an SAT testing experience,” Pazo said.
Moving forward, on Feb. 28 approximately 80 spellers from around the state will take an written vocabulary and spelling test; a written test makes the process much more manageable timewise and for logistics than doing it orally with all contestants in one place. Winners of that round will go to the state oral finals March 9 at the University of Denver.
“It’s important to have kids be able to be part of a community in a passion area,” said Jeffra Frank, GT teacher at Slavens and who helps coordinate the spelling bee process for Denver Public Schools. “Not every kid wants to play soccer or football.”
In the past, “I would have younger students who would idolize some of the older students at other schools” who were previous champion spellers.
“It was like they were their Patrick Mahomes.”
The Scripps National Spelling Bee will be held the week of May 26 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. More than 200 spellers from across the country and around the world will compete in the three-day event.
A total of 72 DPS students participated in the city bee. “It was a very intense environment, almost like an SAT testing experience,” Pazo said.
In the Willow GT program, students are encouraged to participate in one enrichment competition, Pazo said, and these students picked the spelling bee. Samantha Bui was glad she did.
“I felt so proud of myself!” the fifth grader said. “It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. I met new people and felt accomplished.”
Below the Willow students comment on why they chose to participate in the Spelling Bee, if they enjoyed it and if they will compete in the future.
William Levy (3rd Grade):
Why did I choose to do the Spelling Bee?
“Ms. Vasco (Natasha, a teacher) encouraged me to try it because I am good with memorizing things. It sounded fun!”
Would you do it again?
“I would definitely do it again. I will take any chance to challenge myself.”
Kaleb Tariku (4th Grade):
Why did I choose to do the Spelling Bee?
“I was pretty good at spelling and thought it would be a good opportunity. I would help friends with spelling in class and then I realized I was good at it.
Would you do it again?
“I felt good! I felt encouraged. I will probably do it again.”
Rudy Morales-Egizi (4th Grade):
Why did I choose to do the Spelling Bee?
“I felt it was a great opportunity to have more time with close friends, and something to actually do after school. I looked forward to studying, I also thought it would prepare me for middle school.
“I participated in the Schafer program (a DPS language program) and I loved it. It was fun learning from a high schooler (who tutored spellers) — like he understands me more.”
How do you feel about competing in the next rounds?
“I am so excited! I am so proud of myself. I cried tears of joy when I found out I moved on. I love my family and friends and will continue needing their support.”
Priya Chopra (4th Grade):
Why did I choose to do the Spelling Bee?
“I wanted to do the spelling bee ever since I was little. My parents always encouraged me. I enjoyed spelling as a hobby.”
Would you do it again?
“I felt really good. It was so fun and even though I didn’t qualify I learned something new and I will definitely do it again.”
Alexis Bruno (4th Grade):
Why did I choose to do the Spelling Bee?
“I chose to sign up for the spelling bee because I thought it would be fun to compete against other schools.”
Would you do it again?
“I felt good, a little disappointed not getting further, but super happy for Rudy. I felt like it helped me with my confidence, it made me realize some words can be really easy to spell and others harder.
“It feels good to know I can compete against 8th graders and I will definitely do it again.”
Annabelle Freed (4th Grade):
Why did I choose to do the Spelling Bee?
“I chose to do the spelling bee because I have always been fond of spelling. I thought it would be fun to try something new.”
Would you do it again?
“I felt great doing this! I felt amazing and it was really fun! Definitely doing it again!”
William Chapman (4th Grade):
Why did I choose to do the Spelling Bee?
“I chose to do it because I thought it would help me spell better. I felt scared doing the oral spelling bee, but after I felt more comfortable.”
Would you do it again?
“Yes, I would. It helped me learn to spell better and how to utilize those words better. I felt so good doing it and I loved feeling accomplished.”
Margaret (Mags) Welker (4th Grade):
Why did I choose to do the Spelling Bee?
“I signed up for the spelling bee because I wanted to explore my interests and see if it is something I liked.”
Would you do it again?
“I was kind of sad it was over, but also relieved. I would probably do this again. It helped me become a better speller.”
Samantha Bui (5th Grade):
Why did I choose to do the Spelling Bee?
“I’ve been interested since I was little, but felt nervous to try.
How did you feel after winning the first oral spelling bee for DPS last fall (a different competition)?
“I felt so proud of myself! It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. I met new people and felt accomplished.”
Would you do it again?
“I would definitely do the spelling bee again.”
Lina Li (5th Grade):
Why did I choose to do the Spelling Bee?
“I wanted to put myself up for challenges, and the spelling bee is a challenge.”
Would you do it again?
“It was a little draining, but I am so proud and I want to do it again.”
