Almost all students on Orcas Island, representing five schools, competed in Class Spelling Bees Friday, March 4.

For the 2011 Orcas Island All Schools Spelling Bee on March 18 at 9 a.m. at the Orcas Christian School Gymnasium, the following students have won their Class Bees and will compete for the Apple iPad Grand Prize and highly sought-after 2011 Orcas Island Spelling Bee Champion title:

Orcas Island Elementary School: Benjamin Pollard (4th); Kayla Chapman (4th); Evelyn Hance (4th); Joe Reigel (4th); Abby Lawson (5th); Monica Connell (5th).

Orcas Island Middle School: Axel Greening (6th); Emma Heikkinen (6th); Evan Tidrington (6th); Grayson White (6th); Claire Orser (7th); Julianna Rose (7th); Anthony Kaskurs (7th); Cedar Pavitt (7th); Elizabeth Agnew (8th); Angel Kaltenbach (8th).

OASIS: Christian Bailey (6th) and Ester Derr (4th).

Spring Street International School: Maddy Hance (6th) and Gunnar Sandwith (6th).

Orcas Christian School: Anna Veldman (4th); Violet Sturk (5th); Stephanie Harris (6th); Peter Miller (7th); Mara Nutt (8th).

Thanks to all the teachers, volunteers, and sponsors who put this great event together. Also a big round of applause to all students who worked very hard to participate in the 2011 Class Bees; you created quite a buzz! All Orcas Island students and teachers will attend the 2011 Orcas Island All Schools Spelling Bee on March 18 to cheer on their friends.  The public is also welcome to attend.

Tim Hance

Orcas Island