001I'm so scared. Good. Good morning again. I am Chener Valentine, director of elementary education here at Denwi County Public Schools. I apologize that I cannot stand in front of you because I am vertically challenged, but I need to be on a microphone um so that those that are streaming can hear my voice. Um so I apologize if you can't see me, but you can hear me. So again, welcome to our divisionwide spelling be here at Denwitty County Public Schools sponsored by the Richmond Times Dispatch. Uh we want to thank you all for being here to support our scholars. And before I begin saying anything, I want to congratulate them and celebrate them because this is no easy feat. They are very brave to be here in front of you all and in front of an
002audience and it's something that us as adults would not feel comfortable doing. So let's give them a round of applause. [applause] Before we get started, we also want to um acknowledge our school board members, some of whom are in in attendance and those that are absent, we want to acknowledge them as well. We have Mrs. Mary Benjamin, Mr. Dwayne Walker, Mr. Jason L. Brown II, Mrs. Barbara Pitman, who is here with us today, and Dr. Elaine J. Pearson. We also want to acknowledge our superintendent, Dr. Carrie Weston. And Dr. Weston, do you have any words? >> I just want to say to the young people that we have about 4,000 students in the school district out of 4,000 of you have been chosen to represent us. That is a very very big deal. So no
003matter what happens today about 4,000 [laughter] unbelievable it seems like it's all congratulations of you. >> Thank you Dr. Weston. Um, our spelling be coordinators are yours truly, Shamira Valentine, and Mrs. Angela Atkins, executive secretary for elementary education and title one. She's here in the back of the room. And um, again, before we go forward, I just want to say thank you to her as well as Mary Joe Beville. We would not have been able to do this without the two of them. Thank you. [applause] uh participating schools. Um I'm going to name the school and also the principal that is represented here today. If you all could either wave your hands or stand to be acknowledged. Dwitty Elementary, Mrs. Leanne Adams, principal. [applause] Denwitty Middle School, Dr. Tory Walker, PRINCIPAL [applause] Midway Elementary. Mr.
004Chuck Simmons, principal. Southside Elementary. Mrs. Jerry Colbeth, principal. [applause] Sunnyside Elementary. Mrs. Danielle Hawkins, principal. [applause] And Southerntherland Elementary, Dr. Brandy Walker, principal. [applause] Also, we want to now acknowledge our judges. If you can wave your hands or stand. Thank you so much for agreeing to be here today and support this endeavor. We have Mrs. Sharon Yates, retired DCPS administrator. [applause] Mrs. Elizabeth Rainey, executive assistant to the superintendent. [applause] Mrs. Nata Robinson Williams, coordinator of communications and media relations. [applause] Also, we have our pronouncer, Miss Gene Minitri, librarian at Dewity High School. [applause] And our our alternate pronouncer, who did not need to be here today, thankfully, Miss Crystal Geianini, reading specialist at Denim Woody High School. Um, I am going to recognize our alternates. um they did not have to participate as um fillings
005today, but we want to celebrate them because they are winners just the same. Some of whom are here today. So, if you are here, we would love for you and your parent to stand. Uh Braden Gillanov from Dwit Elementary School, [applause] Wayan McCann from Dwit Middle School. [applause] Levi Ciphers from Midway Elementary School. [applause] Elijah McCaulay from Southside Elementary School. [applause] Berkeley Barnes from Sunnyside Elementary School. and Harper Childers from Southerntherland Elementary School. [applause] And now for our spelling be champions. We're so excited. And again, congratulations. When I call your name, we ask that you please stand. And parents, please stand along along with them. Also, thank you to Carly Wolf, our director of secondary education, who as they stand will be placing their name plate um so that we can recognize who they are.
006Gabriel Salana, Demity Elementary School. [applause] Megan Tabamo, Dimmitty Middle School. [applause] Kale Bishop, Midway Elementary School. [applause] Isaiah Frell, Southside Elementary School. [applause] Antonio Nico Corollo Plante, Sunnyside Elementary School, [applause] and Lachlan Rainer, Southerntherland Elementary School. We ask that at this time, can you please silence your cell phones and eye watches? Um, and if at all possible, minimize as many disruptions as um possible as to not distract our spellers. Before turning um everything over to Miss Minetry, our pronouncer, I did just want to um share um a couple of tidbits regarding rules. When we get down to two spellers that are the only ones remaining, um, we just want to share when one student misses a word and the other student gets his or her word correct, then we play another round in which the
007last player spells the championship word correctly. If he or she fails to spell it correctly, then we reinstate the last eliminated player and once more have a round with both players. I will revisit this as we get to the last two contestants, but I want to read it one more time and then we'll read it again once we get to that point. When one student misses a word and the other student gets his or her word correct, then we play another round in which the last player must spell the championship word correctly. If he or she fails to spell it correctly, then we reinstate the last eliminated player and once more have a round with both players. Thank you. and Miss Minry, the floor is yours. >> Good morning, everyone. Uh, I'd like to explain
008um how I usually do this. The um spelling bee, the script spelling bee gives the pronouncer uh leeway to customize how they um offer and pronounce, not pronounce, but um provide the information for the word. And so I choose to provide all the information they supply in the script. I I believe that it helps the student, it gives them a little time to process and it helps them really really understand exactly what word um is being asked of them to spell. So what I will do is I will read the word uh I will then give you the origin of the word or its etmology, the part of speech that it is, the definition that it is and then I will read the sample sentence that has been provided in my script and then I
009will end up by repeating the word again. Now, at any time, the student may request that I repeat any or all of that information, and that is is their choice. So, we're going to begin. Uh, this is round one. And so, here is word one, and I'm addressing it to Gabrielle, right? Can everyone hear me? I guess we're good. All right. Giant. This word came to English from French, which took it from Greek derived Latin. It is an adjective defined as extremely large. The giant marshmallows made very tasty samores. Giant. [clears throat] >> Giant. G i a n t. Giant. >> Okay. Next word to Megan. Bucket. This word is from a French word that came from an English word. It is a noun defined as a typically round and wooden vessel for drawing up
010water from a well. Bucket. B U C K E T. Bucket. The next word. This word has a homony or could be confused with another word. Hollow. This word is originally English. It's an adjective defined as having an empty space or cavity within, not solid. The Trojan horse was hollow so that Greek soldiers could hide inside. Hollow. >> Hollow. H O L L O W. Hollow. Next word, moment. This word went from Latin to French to English. It is a noun defined as a point of time, an instant. Dad promised that he would be back in a moment. But mom said that a moment for dad was about 20 minutes for everyone else. Moment. >> Moment. M O M E N T. Moment. >> Next word. Signal. This word went from Latin to French to
011English. It is a noun defined as a sound or gesture made to give warning or command. The runners waited for the signal to begin the race. Signal. >> Signal. S I G N A L. >> The last word of this round. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word. Answer. This word is originally English. It is a noun defined as something spoken or written in reply, [clears throat] a response to a question, call, summons, or appeal. Micah was surprised when she received a prompt answer to the email she sent to her senator. Answer. Answer A. >> N S W E R. We now begin round two. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word, kitchen. This word is originally English. It is a noun defined as a
012place such as a room with cooking facilities. The kitchen smelled like smoke for days after Dana's cooking experiment. Kitchen. >> Kitchen. K I T C H E N. Kitchen. >> Next word. Message. Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English. It is a noun defined as a written or oral communication or other transmitted information sent by messenger or by some other means as by signals. When Margaret returned home, she noticed that there was a message for her on her phone. Message. Message. M S A G E. message. >> Next word. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word, weather. This word is originally English. It is a noun defined as the state of the atmosphere at a definite time and place with respect to heat or cold, wetness or
013dryness, calm or storm, clearness or cloudiness, meteorological condition. Hannah's first job was in a small radio station where she gave hourly reports on the news and weather. Weather. >> Can you repeat the word again? >> Weather. W E A T H A E R. Weather. >> Next word. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word. Nervous. This word is from a word that went from Latin to English. It is an adjective defined as fearful of what may be coming in dread of possible evil or harm. Lula was nervous about her solo and spent hours practicing it the night before. Nervous. >> Nervous. N E R V O U S. Nervous. >> Next word. Acrobat. This word is from an originally Greek word that passed into French before becoming English. It is
014a noun defined as one who performs as on a trapeze or bars, gymnastic feets or exercises. After years of classes, Paul is developing the skills of a first rate acrobat. >> A C R O B A T Next word, gorgeous. This word is from a French word that then became English. It is an adjective defined as dazzlingly beautiful or attractive. The gorgeous parade floats were covered with thousands of red roses. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. G O R E G E US I can't see you so you're going to have to >> Thank you. Okay. Regrettably, that was incorrect. [clears throat] So, we will now move on to round three. Um, this word has a hominon or could be confused with another word, lanky. This word consists of two originally English parts. It is an adjective defined as
015tall, somewhat thin, and usually yusejointed. Jordan watched as the lanky as one lanky model after another walked the runway. Lanky. Lanky. L A N K Y. Lanky. >> Next word. Hesitate. This word is from Latin. It is a verb defined as to delay, usually momentarily, to pause. Norma did not hesitate to start talking about books because she loved to read. Hesitate. Hesitate. Am I saying this correctly? Hesitate. Thank you. H E S I T A T E. Hesitate. Next word. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word deflated. The first part of this word went from Latin to French before becoming English. And the second is from an originally Latin word. It is a verb defined as release air or gas from as a balloon or a tire. Johan deflated [snorts]
016his air mattress and stored it away for his next camping trip. Deflated. Deflated. D E F L A T E D. Deflated. >> Next word. Ration. Originally Latin, this word is from French. It is a noun defined as the food allowance of one person or one animal for one day. Specifically, a fixed daily food allowance provided for the subsistence of a soldier or sailor. Gwen carefully measured her cat Edwina's ration of kibble for the day before leaving for work. Ration. [snorts] >> Ration. R A T I O N. Next word. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word. Gaunt. This word is perhaps of Scandinavian origin. It is an adjective meaning thin and angular attenuated especially by fasting or suffering. A long illness contributed to Letty's newly gaunt appearance. Gaunt. >>
017G O N T. >> Next word. Unleash. This word was formed from English elements. Is this the beginning of a new round? >> Okay, I'm sorry. Okay, [clears throat] let me start that again. Unleash. This word was formed from English elements. It is a verb defined as to let loose from control or restraint. Mr. Xavier or Javier firmly believed that telling the students, excuse me, I'm going to start again. Mr. Javier firmly believed that letting the students wear open toed shoes would unleash chaos in the school. Unleash. >> Unleash. U [snorts] N L E A S H. Unleash. Next word, sinister. This word came to English from Latin. It is an adjective defined as evil or productive of evil, bad, corruptive. There was something sinister about the way Gia's brother handed her the drink and
018suggested that she take a sip. Sinister. >> Sinister. S I N I S T E R. Sinister. Next word, anguish. This word is from a Latin word that became French and then English. It is a noun defined as extreme pain either of body or mind, excruciating distress. Rowan felt considerable anguish at losing the brooch her grandmother had given her before she died. >> Anguish. A n >> U I S H. Anguish. >> Next word. Rummage. This word is from a French word formed from a Latin element and a probably Germanic element. It is a verb defined as to make a thorough search. To make a thorough search in or to look through every section to ransack. Siri had to rumage through her entire crowded locker to find her geography homework. Rummage. >> Rummage. R U
019M M A G E. Rumage. >> And that concludes that round. We now start round five. >> This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word. Language. This word came to English from Latin derived French. It is a noun. defined as the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a considerable community and established by long usage. After mastering Spanish, Kelly began to think about which language she wanted to learn next. Language. >> Language. L A N G U A G E. Language. Next word. Steeple. Steeple. >> Would you like to read the definition, please? >> I was going to read it. [clears throat] Steeple. This word is originally English. It is a noun defined as a tall structure usually composed of a series of diminishing stories
020finished at the top with a small spire or koopa surrounding the lower straightsided story of a church tower. A bird rested momentarily on the church steeple steeple. Steeple st e p l e steeple. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word. Verdict. This word is an alteration of an English word that passed from Latin to French. It is a noun defined as an opinion pronounced or felt, a decision, a judgment. After hours of waiting, Johnny was anxious to hear his mother's verdict as to whether or not his friends could spend the night. Verdict. Verdict. V E R T I C T. Verdict. [snorts and clears throat] Next word. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word billowed. This word is probably from old Norse. It is a
021verb defined as rose or rolled in waves or surges. Surged undulated. Shane watched as the smoke billowed from the chimney and drifted into the sky. Billowed. >> Billowed. B I L O O W E D. Billowed. And now we begin round. Round six. Is there Should I wait? Do I need to wait? Okay, next word. Commotion. This word went from Latin to French to English. It is a noun defined as noisy confusion. Arthur couldn't hear at yen over the commotion in the hallway. Commotion. C O M M O T I O N. Commotion. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word mosque. This word is from an originally Arabic word that went through Spanish and then Italian and then French before becoming English. It is a noun defined as a building
022used for public worship by Muslims. Visitors were required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque. Mosque. >> Could you please use this in a sentence? >> Visitors were required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque. >> Mosque. M O S Q U. mosque. Next word, fugitive. This word is from Latin derived French. It is a noun defined as one who tries to elillude justice. The fugitive was caught after a motel clerk called the sheriff's office to report a sighting. Fugitive. Fugitive. F U G I T I V E. Fugitive. >> We now begin round seven. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word. Ramshackle. This word is from an originally old Norse word that then passed into English. It is an adjective defined as appearing as if ready to
023collapse, dilapidated, rickety. Although Bonnie had always assumed the ramshackle house next door was empty, one night she heard strange noises coming from it. Ramshackle. >> Can you repeat that, please? >> Which all of it or which part? >> The word. >> Sure. Ramshackle. >> Ramshackle. R A M S H A C K L E. Ramshackle. >> Next word. Preamble. This word passed from Latin to French to English. It is a noun defined as an introductory part as to a book or document, an introduction, a preface. The [snorts] preamble to the United States Constitution serves to state in general terms the guiding principles and fundamental purpose of the Constitution itself. Preamble. Could you please repeat the word preamble? >> Preamble. P R E A M B L E preamble. Next word. This word has a homonym
024or could be confused with another word. By the way, it has two pronunciations and I will give you both. Miniature or miniature. This word came from Italian which formed it from a Latin word. It is an adjective meaning being or represented on a small scale. The miniature renditions of the Civil War battle were all um constructed with plastic army figures and supplies from this craft score craft store. Miniature. >> Miniature. M I N I A T U R E. Miniature. We now begin round eight. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word, pistachio. >> [snorts] >> This word is from a word that went from Greek to Latin to Italian before becoming English. It is a noun defined as the edible green seed of a small tree of southern Europe and
025Asia Minor. Patricia placed a pistachio on each parfait. Pistachio. Pistachio. P I T A C H I O. Pistachio. Next word, [clears throat] dexterity. This word, >> dexterity. >> Oh, [snorts] I apologize. Could you please continue? >> All right. This word came from French, which formed it from a Latin word. It is a noun defined as skill and ease in using the hands. Expertness in manual acts. Larry's dexterity made him a natural at performing magic tricks. Dexterity. >> Dexterity. Am I saying it correctly, please? >> Dexterity. Dexterity. Dexterity. D E X T E R I T Y. Dexterity. Next word. Yiddish. This word is from German. [snorts] It is a noun defined as a highger German language spoken by Jews chiefly in Eastern Europe and areas to which Jews from Eastern Europe have migrated and
026commonly written in Hebrew characters. There are approximately 3 million speakers of Yiddish in the world. Yiddish. >> Yiddish. Y I T I S H Yish. We now begin round nine. Prestigious. This word is from Latin. It is an adjective defined as having an illustrious name or reputation. Esteemed in general opinion, honored, Eliza hoped she would gain acceptance into a prestigious Ivy League university. Prestigious. >> Prestigious. P R E S T I G I O U S. Prestigious. This word has a homonym or could be confused with another word colossus. This word is from an originally Greek word that passed into Latin. It is a noun defined as one marked by great size, scope, strength, power, or effect and able to dwarf or dominate others. The shooting guard had no desire to challenge the colossus of
027a center on the other team, so he pulled up for a jump shot at the free throw line. Colossus. Could you please repeat the word? >> Colossus. Colossus. C O L O S U S. Colossus. We now begin round 10. This word is a compound entry. You are responsible for spelling all parts of the word entry. Your word [clears throat] is lain. This word is from Cantonese, a Chinese dialect. It is a noun defined as a Chinese dish consisting of sliced vegetables, soft noodles, and usually meat or shrimp in bite-sized pieces stir fried in a seasoned sauce. Gina picked up her chopsticks and dug into the steaming bowl of chicken lain. Lain. >> Lain. L O M A I N. little man >> stay there, >> right? I mean, he has to stay there until
028Okay, the next word, stucco. This word is from a Germanic element that went into Italian before entering English. It is a noun defined as a fine plaster of high quality used in the decoration and ornamentation of interior walls. The architect recommended covering the hallway walls with stucco. Stuckco. >> Stucco. S T U C C O Stuckco. Okay. And now we are at the championship word for Megan. Magnanimous. This word is from Latin. It is an adjective defined as having, showing, or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind. Simone decided to be magnanimous and assume that her sister had good intentions. Magnanimous. >> Please repeat the word. >> Magnanimous. M A G N A N I M O U S. Magnamus. OKAY. [applause] WE HAVE OUR WINNER. Let's congratulate Megan Tabamo from Dimwy M School.
029[applause] Let's congratulate our runner up, Gabriel Salana from Dimwitty Elementary School. [applause] And let's give all of our winners, all of our spellers a ROUND OF APPLAUSE. >> [applause] >> THEY DID A phenomenal job. Um, at this time, um, we're going to give out some gifts to each participant. Um, before you all leave, after receiving your gifts, um, if you could please, um, gather outside for some photographs. And also before you leave, the parents of the winner and the runner up, I have some forms for you to sign, please. Um, so please make sure you do that before leaving. Um, and also before handing out the gifts, Dr. Weston or Miss Pitman, I didn't know if you had any other words that you would like to share before we dismiss. Certainly, we congratulate all the
030winners and the parents because this takes a lot of time to practice and get ready. It is such an important skill, not only spelling, but to be able to stand in front of people and speak and be able to um show what you know. And um so we congratulate all aspects people being able [applause] [snorts] >> um also I'm going to give another thank you to Angie Atkins and Mary Joe Beville for the beautiful floral arrangements that will be gifted to our judges and our prouncer. Thank you Miss Minitri, Mrs. Yates, Miss Rainey, and Miss Robinson Williams. And then also the gift bags that will go to our participants with a name plated keychain for each of them. >> Congratulations. >> I have a question by any chance. You know my brother Yeah, but not
031like I just know. Are you >> really good in Chinese? It sounds like Uh, while they're doing that, I'm going to make an impromptu announcement. I'm going to put a [snorts] plug in for my high school Scholastic Bowl team. Um, and we since we do not have a JV team at the middle school, um, I accept sixth graders, seventh graders, and eighth graders. And so I'd like to invite Megan and Gabrielle and who's the other fifth grader in the room next year? Okay. Yeah. When you're in sixth grade and when you're in sixth grade, I'm inviting you to join the um varsity scholastic bowl team. Out of the last seven years, we've won six regional uh championship trophies. And a lot of it depends on being able to memorize. And guess who's really, really good
032at memorizing? people who were at Spelling Bees. So yes, if you think you might enjoy that or even if you're not sure, you're welcome to attend a few practices, see if it's for you. If it's not, I understand. So if you think you might be interested, you two next year, um I'll take your name and your parents address and all and send you some information or Megan, if you're interested, I can send that to you, too. So I just wanted to put a plug in for our academic team. Thank you. >> [clears throat] [snorts]