Local students compete to see who can spell the best

Genesis Lopez was one of nearly 60 students vying for the title at the 22nd annual Countywide Spelling Bee held at Hartnell College.

“I didn’t believe I’d make it this far,” said Lopez.

First, students are given a word pronounced by KION’s morning anchor Barry Brown.

“If they don’t hear the word properly or if I mispronounce it, we’re in for trouble,” said Brown. “So I try to do my very best to make sure they understand the word, that they’re not confused — that they don’t think it’s chair instead of share.”The rules are simple. Students repeat the word back and spell it into the microphone with care.

Some words were easy, others gave spellers some trouble. Stucco, diorama and Kona all had some students heading to exit, stage left.

Other than the fun and friendly competition, educators said the spelling bee promotes learning and enriched language.

“So it really allows students to widen their perspective and the number of words they’re using within their vocabulary every day,” said Jaimie Valenzuela-Mumau, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services at the Monterey County Office of Education.

Students told KION whether they win or lose, the experience was still worth it.

“I learned that if you put yourself a goal and you try to practice for it, you’ll be able to achieve it,” said spelling bee competitor Jose Guzman.

“It doesn’t matter about winning, it matters about being up there and trying your best,” said Lopez.

After 17 rounds, a winner was crowned when 7 th grade student Paul Hamrick correctly spelled “reparations” to become the new Monterey County spelling champ.

Paul, from Lambert Hamrick Homeschool, out-spelled 56 other students from schools throughout Monterey County and will compete in the 90th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.