The 55th Annual Putnam County School District Spelling Bee was held Wednesday morning, February 14th, with Brady Pinkerton, 6th grader from Browning-Pearce Elementary, taking home the champion's trophy after spelling the final word, "kudos!" Earning the runner-up spot was Tristan Schultz, 7th grader from Putnam Academy of Arts & Sciences. Brady will move on to compete in the Regional Championship in Jacksonville.
Superintendent, Dr. Rick Surrency, shared his appreciation for the schools and students who participated. Sarajean McDaniel, Executive Director of Leadership Development, shared the event rules and then expressed our appreciation to the Flagg family who generously sponsor the PCSD Spelling Bee each year.
Dr. Melanie Brown, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for St. Johns River State College, served as the pronouncer. Judges were Sandra Gilyard, PCSD Board Chair, Holly Pickens, PCSD Board Member, and Karen Hughes, retired PCSD Principal.
Pictured here with the participants are Rev. Karl Flagg, Karla Flagg-Wright, and Terricena Flagg along with Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent.
Congratulations to the following school level Spelling Bee winners who participated in today's competition:
Brady Pinkerton, Browning-Pearce Elementary, 6th grade
Connor Redburn, Crescent City Jr-Sr High, 7th grade
Alissa Moore, James A. Long Elementary, 6th grade
Amburli Moses, Kelley Smith Elementary, 6th grade
Katherine Semmes, Melrose Elementary, 5th grade
Branden Wilson, Middleton-Burney Elementary, 5th grade
Josy Feng, Moseley Elementary, 6th grade
Bella Carrier, Ochwilla Elementary, 6th grade
Tristan Schultz, Putnam Acacemy of Arts & Sciences, 7th grade
Noah Thompson, Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Elementary, 6th grade
Willow Young, Q.I. Roberts Jr-Sr High School, 7th grade
The final round of competition.
Spelling Bee Champion, Brady Pinkerton and Runner-Up, Tristan Schultz.