Switzerland of Ohio District Spelling Bee top three winners, from left, Hagen Headley, Kayley Schneider and Boone Beachy. (Photo provided)

On Jan. 28, the Switzerland of Ohio Schools held the District Spelling Bee.

There were students representing four of the elementary schools.

Kayley Schneider, an eighth-grader from Powhatan Elementary, was the overall winner of the District Spelling Bee. Hagen Headley, a seventh-grader from River Elementary, received the second place award for Outstanding Spelling. Boone Beachy, a fifth-grader from Skyvue Elementary, received the third place award for Outstanding Spelling.

The top eight students, plus one alternate, from the District Spelling Bee will go on to compete on March 21 at the Regional Spelling Bee in Marietta. Also representing Switzerland of Ohio schools at the Regional Bee will be: Stefan Eikleberry – River Elem., Ashley McKnight – River Elem., Jayden McGuire – River Elem., Greer Lude – Skyvue Elem., Josie Woods – Skyvue Elem., and Easton Colvin – Woodsfield Elem. as the alternate.

Coaches from each school worked with the students to help them get ready for the District Spelling Bee and will continue to work with the top nine to prepare for the Regional Bee. The coaches for each building are: Barbara Faldowski – Beallsville, Brandon Bunting – Powhatan, Holly Cline/Kendra Straub – River, Brooke Ferrel – Skyvue, and Janelle Bilyeu – Woodsfield.

Switzerland of Ohio District Spelling Bee top nine winners. Front row from left: Greer Lude, Josie Woods and Easton Colvin; second row from left: Stefan Eikleberry; third row from left: Ashley McKnight, Jayden McGuire and Boone Beachy; fourth row from left: Kayley Schneider and Hagen Headley. (Photo provided)

We would like to thank Paige Fleming of Marietta, Ohio, for being our Pronouncer for the evening. We would also like to thank the following business and people who donated prize money for the Bee: Yoss Law Office, Ohio Valley Community Credit, State Farm Insurance – Tim Blue, Wesbanco, Woodsfield Savings, Kiwanis Club, Common Wealth Financial Services, Paulus Insurance, Belmont Savings, and Citizens National Bank.