Thirty-five middle schoolers stepped up to the microphone in JFK's auditorium on Jan. 8, each ready to spell their way to victory in the school's fourth annual spelling bee.
The competition – organized by teacher Brittny Hayes and emceed by Director of Literacy and English Language Arts Valerie Filbry – brought together the school's strongest spellers from grades 6 through 8, all competing for a shot at the regional championship and, potentially, a trip to the national bee in Washington, D.C.
What started as a field of 35 quickly narrowed as words grew more challenging. By the final rounds, the competition came down to two spellers trading attempts back and forth. After fourteen total rounds – several featuring just the final two contestants – Aditi Sujin claimed the championship, with Mia MacDugall finishing as runner-up.
Aditi will now represent JFK at the regional spelling bee, where she'll compete against champions from across Long Island for the chance to advance to nationals.
The entire Bethpage community is cheering her on.
