Middle school kids compete in annual KofC Spelling Bee

Posted February 27, 2023 10:00 pm

Submitted by Tom Loch

Six local sixth through eighth grade students, representing four area junior highs and middle schools, competed in the 41st annual Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Knight of Columbus Hall in Arlington Heights.

The first-place finisher was Ryan Morgan of Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights. Second place went to Daniel Salatino of St. James School in Arlington Heights and third place finisher was Brian Rittle from Our Lady of the Wayside School in Arlington Heights. The Bee lasted 15 rounds.

All three finalists have qualified to compete in the Regional Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee March 4 in Mount Prospect, where they can then qualify for the state tournament in April.

Schools and students participating in this year's Spelling Bee were:

• Brian Rittle and Kiera Trunnell, Our Lady of the Wayside School, Arlington Heights;

• Emily Hamilton, South Middle School, Arlington Heights;

• Daniel Salatino and Declan McLeod, St. James Junior High School, Arlington Heights;

• Ryan Morgan, Thomas Middle School, Arlington Heights.

The spelling bee was hosted by Holy Rosary Council #4483 of Arlington Heights, and co-sponsored with Our Lady of the Grove Council #13448.

The Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee finalists, clockwise from bottom, Ryan Morgan, Daniel Salatino and Brian Rittle, will compete in the Regional Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee on March 4 in Mount Prospect. Courtesy of Tom Loch

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