Set to Compete at State Level
Words and Image by Jenny Lynn Davis
On January 27th, Caley Holmes, a fourth-grade student at Cordova Elementary School, achieved a significant accomplishment by winning the district spelling bee held in Jasper. The competition included 12 participants ranging from fourth to eighth grade, all from Walker County and Jasper City schools.
“She won our school spelling bee, which made her eligible to compete in the district spelling bee. It’s very rare that a fourth grader wins over the older kids, but she did, and we’re so proud of her,” says Cordova Elementary Principal Dianne Williams. “She’s a highly intelligent student and an avid reader, and that love of reading helped to build her vocabulary and overall confidence when spelling challenging words.”
On March 18th, Caley will participate in the Alabama State Spelling Bee held at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She will compete against 49 other students, ranging in age from fourth to eighth grade, from different counties across the state.
“I’m nervous, but I’m also excited. I liked being in the county spelling bee, so I think I will like this one, too,” Caley says.
The Alabama State Spelling Bee will be held University Hall Auditorium of the UAB College of Arts and Sciences, beginning at 12:00 p.m. The winner of the Alabama State Spelling Bee will represent the state at the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., on May 28.
We wish Caley the best as she competes for the title of Alabama Spelling Bee Champion! WL
