Can you spell whittle? How about scrounge?
Do you know what a camcorder is and how to spell it out, in front of a room full of parents and elected officials?
Sixth graders from three local schools had to demonstrate nerves of steel and prove their mastery of those words and more during the 2nd Annual Education Advisory Board Spelling Bee.
Students from Miami Lakes Middle School, Bob Graham Education Center and Miami Lakes K-8 Center competed Jan. 30 at Town Hall for the Spelling Bee trophy.
Along with parents, Mayor Josh Dieguez, Vice Mayor Bryan Morera and Councilman Alex Sanchez watched the contest.
Dieguez offered the young spellers some words of encouragement.
“I will tell you that the history… of the spelling bee goes all the way back the 1700s … you are participating in a very important American tradition that continues to this day,” Dieguez said.
He wished them luck before the 90-minute test, when each of the 14 students had to spell a word in under 30 seconds.
After stepping up to one of the three microphones, each contestant who successfully spelled a word within the time limit moved to the back of their line for another chance.
If not, they sat down.The word thistle was challenging for some.
Miami Lakes Middle School was able to face the pressure and won the competition. Vicky Bakery donated refreshments and Vida Custom Designs created the trophy.
Photos: Alexandra Herrera