High Desert students compete in San Bernardino County spelling bee
Several students from High Desert-based school districts competed in the San Bernardino County Spelling Bee.
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, who hosted the event, stated that the competition ended with exhilarating victories, showcasing exceptional linguistic scholars from across the region.
During the annual competition on March 13 at San Bernardino Valley College, the students represented a diverse array of school districts and charter schools, in the competition that culminated in a thrilling event between the county's finest spellers.
Students from the Apple Valley Unified, Snowline Joint Unified, and Victor Valley Union High school districts competed.
Sitting Bull Academy student Leilani Saito from Apple Valley was ranked among the pool of champions.
Top champions
This year's main champions emerged from the ranks of Etiwanda School District.
The champions were Shrey Parikh, a sixth-grade student, and Srikanth Satheesh Kumar, an eighth-grade student, who demonstrated exceptional skill and composure throughout the competition, county officials stated.
"The San Bernardino County Spelling Bee serves as a testament to the dedication and talent of our students,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It's inspiring to witness their hard work and determination on display, showcasing their semantic skills in such a challenging and prestigious competition."
Sixth-grader Parikh solidified his victory after correctly spelling the word "rarefaction." Satheesh Kumar was named the co-champion after providing the correct spelling of the word "recrudescent."
The champions will now prepare to compete on the national stage where they will represent San Bernardino County during the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.
Parikh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event. "Thank you to my mom and dad, family, and my teacher Ms. Miller and to all the spelling bee organizers,” Parikh said.
"I would like to thank my mom, dad, and my brother for support and always being there for me. I will always be thankful for my teachers for encouraging me,” said eighth-grader Satheesh Kumar.
Other participating school districts in this year’s Spelling Bee included:
Alta Loma
Central
Etiwanda
Ontario-Montclair
San Bernardino City Unified
Snowline Joint Unified
Upland Unified
Students from Empire Springs Charter, Granite Mountain Charter, and Inland Leaders Charter also participated in this year's competition.
The San Bernardino County Spelling Bee not only celebrates academic achievement but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants, county officials said.
Top 2024 Spelling Bee Champions are:
First Place Champion – Shrey Parikh, Day Creek Intermediate School
First Place Champion – Srikanth Satheesh Kumar, Heritage Intermediate School
Second Place Champion – Ruiee Shih, Day Creek Intermediate School
Third Place Champion – Abheri Sureddi, John L. Golden Elementary School
Fourth Place Champion – Afiyah Ashrafi, Spring Charter Schools
Fourth Place Champion – Anika Crowe, Granite Mountain Charter School
Fourth Place Champion – Katherine Odell, Spring Charter Schools
Fourth Place Champion – Leilani Saito, Sitting Bull Academy
Fifth Place Champion – Summer He, Caryn Elementary School
Fifth Place Champion – Sophia Raqueno, Ruth Musser Middle School
Fifth Place Champion – Yahya Tchich, Summit Intermediate School
For more news and information, visit the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Newsroom at sbcss.k12.ca.us.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: High Desert students compete in San Bernardino County spelling bee