Friendly Hills Student Wins District 197 Spelling Bee

sixth-grader Anna Dupont won the District 197 spelling bee Jan. 24 against 36 other contenders competing at Henry Sibley High School.

The winning word was "baton."

Angela Remuto, a seventh grade student at Heritage E-STEM Magnet School came in second.

The competition, open to students in grades 4-8, is sponsored by the West St. Paul Optimist Club.

“Optimists encourage students to do their best," said Optimist Cheryl Bergstrom. "Participating in a spelling bee helps students improve their vocabulary and develop problem-solving techniques."

The club presented Dupont with $100 and a plaque. Remuto received $50 and a plaque for placing second.

“This is great accomplishment for Anna,” said Friendly Hills Principal Joni Hagebock in a statement.  “She was so confident throughout the competition and even supported other contestants when they misspelled a word and were eliminated. She should be very proud of herself, and I know Friendly Hills is definitely proud of her!”

Dupont will go on to compete in the 2012 Minnesota Seven County Metro Area Regional Spelling Bee on March 10 sponsored by Lockridge Grindal Nauen, a Minneapolis law firm. The winner of the regional bee then participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee near Washington D.C.