Spectacular spellers dominate Denison ISD spelling bees

With post-pandemic life returning to normal, parents, grandparents and others filled the room as spellers from three Denison ISD campuses competed in the 2023 district spelling bees with the chance to move on to the next level and represent the Yellow Jackets in advanced-level spelling bees this spring.

“The preparation and focus required to compete and win at this level reflects great maturity as well a tremendous work ethic on the part of these students. I was so very impressed with the high levels of talent, sportsmanship and competitiveness exhibited by all our students who participated in this year’s spelling bees,” said assistant superintendent Andru Gilbert. “I know that they devoted many hours to studying the word lists, and their hard work was certainly reflected in their performances.”

On Friday, January 6, seventeen competitors from B. McDaniel Intermediate gathered in the Denison ISD Administration Building to test their spelling skills in the first of three days of spelling bees. After 9 rounds, Olivia Lowery emerged as the 2023 District Champion by correctly spelling the championship word, “conifers.” Chase Landers was the first runner-up. Olivia will now represent B. McDaniel Intermediate School at the Grayson County Spelling Bee on February 7. In the event that she is not able to participate, Chase would compete in her place.

On Wednesday, January 11, twenty Scott Middle School spelling competitors assembled in the Denison ISD Administration Building to battle it out for spelling supremacy. After 12 rounds, Lelah McCrary emerged as the 2023 SMS District Champion by correctly spelling the championship word, “instilled.” Fernanda Aguilar was the First Runner Up. Lelah will now represent Scott Middle School at the 2023 Grayson County Spelling Bee held at the Grayson College South Campus in Van Alstyne on February 7. In the event that she is not able to participate, Fernanda would compete in her place.

On Tuesday morning, January 11, the Mayes Elementary Library was filled with nervous energy and excitement as DISD hosted the 2023 District Bilingual Spelling Bees. Spellers from Mayes and B. McDaniel Intermediate met to compete by spelling Spanish vocabulary words. In the third grade group, Zaylee Solis took first place with Fernando Lujan as the first runner-up. The fourth and fifth grade bee spellers found Angel Barron taking home the medal for top speller, followed by runner-up Alexis Hernandez. And, the sixth grade bilingual spelling bee saw Karla Diaz emerge as the winner with Ashley Castro as the runner-up. All 3 champions will advance to participate in the Region 10 Bilingual Spelling Bees on March 28.

“I want to thank the students and their parents for the extra efforts that they have given to reach their school’s district event. They are to be commended for challenging themselves and competing. Events like this sharpen their character and will help them in their future academic career,” said Denison ISD Director of Instruction Shonda Cannon.

At the 2023 Grayson County Spelling Bee, seven spectacular spellers converged at the Grayson College South Campus in Van Alstyne on Tuesday, February 7 to compete. At the conclusion of nine grueling rounds, Denison ISD spellers emerged victorious. Olivia Lowery, a 5th grade student from B. McDaniel Intermediate School, was crowned the 2023 Grayson County Spelling Champion. Lelah McCrary, an 8th grade student from Scott Middle School, took home the title of First Runner-Up.

In Round 8, Lelah misspelled 'forgeable'. Olivia had correctly spelled her Round 8 word. She then promptly spelled 'transmissibility' correctly in Round 9 to claim the title. Olivia will now represent Grayson County at the 65th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 11—with a trip to the Washington D.C. National Spelling Bee on the line. In the event that Olivia is unable to compete, Lelah would become the Grayson County representative.

Denison ISD is unbelievably proud of these two scholars. They represented Denison ISD with much class and distinction.

B. McDaniel 2023 Spelling Bee Champion Olivia Lowery and runner-up Chase Landers are presented their medals by Denison ISD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Andru Gilbert. The win qualified Lowery to compete at the upcoming Grayson County Spelling Bee in February.

Spellers from B. McDaniel Intermediate gathered for the Denison ISD 2023 Spelling Bee held at the DISD Administration Building.

Spellers from Scott Middle School gathered for the Denison ISD 2023 Spelling Bee held at the DISD Administration Building.

Scott Middle School 2023 Spelling Bee Champion Lelah McCrary and runner-up Fernanda Aguilar receive their medals from Denison ISD Superintendent Dr. David Kirkbride. The win qualified McCrary to compete at the upcoming Grayson County Spelling Bee in February.

2023 Bilingual Spelling Bee winners are third Grade Champion Zaylee Solis, third Grade Runner-Up Fernando Lujan, 4th – 5th Grade Champion Angel Barron, 4th – 5th Grade Runner-Up Alexis Hernandez, 6th Grade Champion Karla Diaz and 6th Grade Runner-Up Ashley Castro. Winners are now qualified Ramirez to compete at the upcoming spelling bee at the Region 10 event in Richardson, Texas.