By Tim Daniels
From the February 20, 1986 edition of The Salem Times-Register
The Stump brothers, Christopher and Kevin, were the winners at the local level of competition for the National Spelling Bee contest held Feb. 12 at their respective schools, Glenvar High and Glenvar elementary, and both will now advance to county competition to be held March 5 at Hidden Valley Junior High School, informed school officials.
School Officials believe it is the first time that two brothers have won the competition in the same year.
“It’s quite an accomplishment,” remarked Cherie Burton, an English teacher at G.H.S. “It speaks well of both Christopher and Kevin and their educational background. They’re both good students.”
The contest was sponsored locally by the Roanoke Times and World-News and for their winning efforts, both Christopher and Kevin were awarded certificates and a pen and pencil set b the Roanoke Times. In addition, eighth grader Christopher won a set of books contributed by the Roanoke County Teachers Organization; fifth-grader Kevin was awarded a plaque that will remain at the school. Christoher and Kevin are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Stump of Salem.
Mrs. Stump said both sons have been avid readers since a very early age. “I began reading to them when each was a year old. Both have always been good students and Chris has always placed high in previous spelling contests, but it’s the first time he’s won.”
Kevin won his contest when he correctly spelled the words ‘tempting’ and ‘peppermint.’ Brother Chrisotpher won his competition when he correctly spelled the words ‘tedious’ and ‘amateur.’ It was a bit easier than I thought,” said Chris of his victory.
Despite his skills in spelling, he says his favorite class is drama, but he and brother Kevin both are fast becoming masters of the computer.
“They both have a home computer, “said Mrs. Stump, “and both are quite familiar with it. Chris even makes up his own programs on his computer.”
Mrs. Stump said whether or not the computer has played an integral part of her sons spelling talents is uncertain, but it has been a help.
Both Christopher and Kevin competed against nearly 200 fellow students in grades 7-8 for Chris and 5-6 for Kevin. Second place winner in the 7-8 grade competition was Doug Croy. In the 5-6 competition second place went to Kimbery Keffer.
If both students win at the county level, they will advance to regional competition to be held March 29 at the Salem Sheraton hotel. The Nationals will be held May 26-30 in Washington, D.C. -Prepared by Shelly Koon
