EATON — The Preble County Spelling Bee for the 2023-2024 academic year was held Thursday, Jan. 18, and families, friends, and educators gathered at the Eaton Community Schools Performing Arts Center to support and celebrate the linguistic prowess of the county’s brightest young spellers.

Martha Ma, a sixth grader at National Trail, came out on top as this year’s county spelling bee champ.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Shawn Hoff, Superintendent of the Preble County Educational Service Center (ESC). Mike Derringer, Principal of the PCESC Success Academy, served as the pronouncer for the spelling bee.

A special “thank you” was extended to all the parents of the participants. Their support and encouragement were acknowledged as vital to the students’ achievements. “You should be very proud of what your child has accomplished,” the organizers noted, recognizing the collective effort that brought each student to this stage.

The event was made possible by the diligent efforts of the school spelling bee coordinators from across the county. Their hard work and organization were crucial in preparing the students for this county-wide competition. The coordinators included:

• Eaton: Nick Flynn, Derek Lucas

• National Trail: Jennifer Couch, Amy Skinner

• Preble Shawnee: Gina Back

• Tri County North: Tammy Hicks, Christy Mason

• Twin Valley South: Doug Dunham, Marissa Jackson

The organizers also extended their gratitude to Eaton Community Schools for hosting the spelling bee, providing a welcoming and well-equipped venue for the competition.

This year’s spelling bee featured participants from various grades and schools in Preble County. The young spellers, ranging from 2nd to 8th grade, included:

• Paxton Brewer, 6th Grade, Preble Shawnee

• Maddox Cherry, 2nd Grade, Tri-County North

• Gabriel Corder, 7th Grade, Tri-County North

• Emma Fannin, 6th Grade, Tri-County North

• Kya Ferguson, 4th Grade, National Trail

• Brielle Hamilton, 5th Grade, Eaton

• Lillian Heltsley, 4th Grade, Tri-County North

• Nash Isaacs, 6th Grade, Twin Valley South

• Jaxson Koeller, 6th Grade, Twin Valley South

• Martha Ma, 6th Grade, National Trail

• Lauren McKee, 7th Grade, Eaton

• Alia Richie, 6th Grade, National Trail

• Elaina Schutte, 4th Grade, National Trail

• Adara Suggs, 7th Grade, Twin Valley South

• Berkeley Thomas, 4th Grade, Eaton

• Olivia Wicks, 5th Grade, Preble Shawnee

• Landon Wright, 8th Grade, Eaton

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.