In an era dominated by digital communication, a group of exceptional young minds from Green Country demonstrated their mastery over the English language through an age-old tradition: spelling. The 2 Cares For Kids Regional Spelling Bee, held on March 8 at Tulsa Tech’s Owasso campus, brought together over two dozen students to compete in this intellectual challenge. Each participant showcased not only their linguistic prowess but also their resilience and dedication.
The event featured seasoned judges and pronouncers who ensured fairness and accuracy throughout the competition. Among them was Brodie Myers, a former contestant turned judge, who shared his personal experiences with the audience. Having competed as a middle schooler, he emphasized the lasting impact such events have on participants, both positive and negative. Joining Myers were several colleagues from the local news team, including Naomi Keitt, Cori Duke, Samson Tamijani, and Abby Reynolds. Jabraan Pasha, serving as the pronouncer, played a crucial role in guiding the contestants through each round, providing definitions and etymological insights when necessary. Despite admitting that he himself is not an expert speller, Pasha expressed admiration for the students' performances, acknowledging the pressure they faced.
The competition culminated after two intense hours, with William Fuller emerging victorious. Representing Wagoner, Fuller dedicated eight months to rigorous preparation, ultimately securing his spot to represent the region at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. later in May. Katherine Goldesberry took second place, further highlighting the depth of talent present. This event underscores the enduring value of traditional skills like spelling, reminding us of the importance of foundational knowledge in a world increasingly reliant on technology. It celebrates the achievements of these young scholars and inspires future generations to pursue excellence in all areas of learning.