SAN JOSE, CA – Palo Alto sixth grader Vayun Krishna, from
Challenger School – Middlefield, recently took first-place at the fourth annual Santa Clara County Office of Education Spelling Bee. He will be joined by runner-up Ari Philip, a sixth grader from John Sinnott Elementary School in the Milpitas Unified School District, at the state competition in May.
Roughly 25 Santa Clara County students representing 12 school districts competed this year with hopes of advancing to the next stage. Participants had one opportunity to spell their word correctly or face elimination.
After just three rounds, Krishna – who finished in fourth place at last year's competition – emerged victorious with the winning word 'desecrate'.
Each year, the spelling bee provides an opportunity for fourth- through sixth-graders to improve their spelling, increase their vocabulary, and practice their public speaking ability.
"Spelling bees are a celebration of spelling and an opportunity to develop skills," said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. "With the support of their community, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in a fun and competitive atmosphere."
Krishna and Philip will compete at California State Elementary Spelling Bee at the San Joaquin County Office of Education on Saturday, May 11.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 21 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.