Photo by Shawn Nowlin
Aidan Poush thinking to himself before accurately spelling a word in the 29th round.
Aidan Poush knew that to place well in the 46th Annual Regional Spelling Bee, he would have to practice. A lot.
During study sessions at home, he and his mother, Cristina, used flashcards to enhance memory, looked up words they were unfamiliar with and played games on the Merriam and Webster Dictionary website.
When they arrived inside the William Fleming High Auditorium on March 9, both admitted to being a little nervous. The competition, which featured 19 students from private and public schools across Western Virginia, began at approximately 10 a.m. and lasted for three hours. Contestants either won their school division or school-wide tournament spelling bee to qualify.
Before the first round began, each participant was given a practice word. Throughout the competition, the opportunity to ask for the origin of the word, for it to be used in a sentence and what type of word is it was available. Some of Aidan’s words included: “colloquial,” “verboten,” “amenable,” “babushka” and “erudite.”
“Aiden has been our top speller over the last three years,” said Andrew Lewis Middle School Principal Jamie Garst. “To make it through 44 grueling rounds and come in fourth place is just incredible. He represented the school and division well, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Cynthia Harris, a fifth-grade teacher at Eagle Rock Elementary in Botetourt County, was one of two judges. The other, Catherine Schlesser, is a Roanoke Catholic English Teacher. Hollins University Professor of Political Science Edward Lynch served as the event’s word pronouncer.
“I have found that spelling bees are more than about knowing how to spell,” Mrs. Schlesser said. “Students do better if they have had some experience standing in front of a crowd. Although lots of practice spelling is absolutely necessary.”
Added Mrs. Harris: “I was amazed at the number of rounds and preparedness of the contestants. They were quite talented and did a phenomenal job. They each represented themselves and their schools well. I hope they see this event as a great memory, learning experience and compete again in the future.”
Since 1974, six students have won The Roanoke Times Annual Regional Spelling Bee multiple years. Only one Salem student has ever won the competition: Kristin Vamenta when she attended Andrew Lewis Middle School in 2001.
In the time that he has been involved with the Annual Regional Spelling Bee, Tom LaPlant, an event organizer, has found that the best spellers usually have an understanding of word etymology and phonemic awareness.
“It’s important to support children because, as adults, we can impart to them our knowledge and experience that they can hopefully use to their advantage,” Cristina said.
“The most rewarding part of this whole experience was being able to bond with my son despite the challenges and frustration at times. Words can begin to describe just how proud I am of him.”
