Are you smarter than a sixth grader? Could you spell the words hyena or cathedral, while standing before a crowd at Town Hall?
Fourteen students from three middle schools in Miami Lakes competed to become champions of a Spelling Bee presented by the Miami Lakes Education Advisory Board on Jan. 24.
Students from Bob Graham Education Center, Miami Lakes K-8 Center and Miami Lakes Middle School each formed a line before the judges, who are members of the Education Advisory Board.
If a student spelled a word correctly, he or she went to the back of their school’s line to await another test.
If a contestant didn’t spell a word the right way, they had to sit down.
The competitors were a cool bunch, and no tears were shed.
But talk about pressure!
The kids not only had to perform before their teachers, families and friends, but also in front of Roberto Alonso, Miami-Dade County Public Schools School Board member for District 4; North Region Supt. Dr. Yesenia M. Aponte and North Region Administrative Director Leonard Torres; Miami Lakes Vice Mayor Bryan Morera and Councilman Juan Carlos Fernandez.
Miami Lakes K-8 Center won and will have bragging rights and possession of a big gold trophy until next January, when they’ll have to defend their title.
“At the end of the day, this event is about way more than just spelling,” Vice Mayor Bryan Morera said. “It’s about perseverance, bravery and a love of learning…”
The night was sponsored by Vicky Bakery, M.O.P Automotive and Vida Custom Designs, which made the trophy.