GGUSD Names Bell Intermediate Student Champion of District Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee Champion Brandon Tran

Bell Intermediate School eighth grader Brandon Tran once again earned the title of champion of the district’s 33rd Annual Spelling Bee for seventh and eighth grade students.  The event was held January 15 at the Edgar District Meeting Center. 

Brandon correctly spelled the deciding word, arachnid, becoming the top speller among more than 7,500 intermediate school students in GGUSD. English Language Arts teacher Elizabeth Lindgren was the coach for the four spelling bee contestants from Bell Intermediate School.

“We are always impressed with these hard working scholars who understand the importance of developing strong spelling skills and invest many hours studying for this rigorous competition,” said Board of Education Vice President Teri Rocco.  

Brandon competed for first place with Leslie Penaloza from Alamitos Intermediate School, who finished second. Both were followed by Derek Nguyen of Alamitos Intermediate School, third place; and Ethan Nguyen of Lake Intermediate School, fourth place. Other honored participants included Han Tran of Alamitos Intermediate School, fifth place; Phillip Nguyen of Irvine Intermediate School, sixth place; Thomas Nguyen of Jordan Intermediate School, seventh place; Jennifer Nguyen of Ralston Intermediate School, eighth place; Charles Davis of Bell Intermediate School, ninth place; and Haylie Trinh of Ralston Intermediate School, tenth place.

The district champion and the nine runners-up will represent the district at the Orange County Spelling Competition, with the written segment scheduled February 24, followed by the deciding oral spelling round on February 29; both will be held at the Orange County Department of Education.

Each of the district’s 10 intermediate schools entered its four best spellers in the district competition.  Contestants were asked to spell such words as diaphoresis, pseudonymous, embouchure, and douceur.

Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Kelly McAmis and School Board Vice President Teri Rocco presented trophies to the top 10 spellers, and all contest entrants received certificates of participation.