Sixth-Grader Josephina Reid Triumphs in Northern Lights Spelling Bee

A spelling bee at Northern Lights ABC School on February 2 concluded with sixth-grade student Josephina Reid emerging as the champion. In a competitive event that included participants from grades three through eight, Reid faced off against fellow contestant Aman in several rounds of elimination, successfully spelling a series of challenging words.

Reflecting on her unexpected victory, Reid shared, “It feels good to win something. All those words I studied. I was kind of worried about chandelier a tiny bit, but yeah…most of those were good.” Her preparation involved regular quizzes from her parents during car rides, which she credited for her success. “My mom and dad would quiz me in the car when we rode, my dad quizzed me when I rode to school sometimes. That did help a lot,” she explained.

Reid’s mother expressed pride in her daughter’s achievement, stating, “We’re very proud of Josephina, needless to say. She wasn’t cocky, but she was—what was the word? Courage, right? Courageous.” Josephina’s recent accomplishments also include a fourth-place finish in the Battle of the Books competition held earlier in the week, showcasing her dedication to reading and vocabulary development.

She encouraged her peers to embrace reading as a means of enhancing their vocabulary. “Read a lot, because then you’ll find very good vocabulary. Don’t just read graphic novels,” she advised. Additionally, her tips for future spelling bee contenders included rigorous study sessions, emphasizing that this preparation has significant benefits.

Looking ahead, Josephina is set to participate in an online qualifier that will determine her advancement to the state spelling bee scheduled for March. When asked about her feelings regarding the next level of competition, she expressed a mix of nerves and excitement, stating she is “really nervous but happy” to have not only participated but also won the Northern Lights Spelling Bee.

This spirited event not only highlighted the students’ spelling talents but also fostered a sense of community within the school, encouraging young learners to strive for excellence through hard work and perseverance.