Fourth graders vie for championship

Watervliet Elementary School student Ava Lindley was crowned Spelling Bee champion on January 12.

After sparring nearly 20 rounds with fellow fourth-grader David Kayembe, Ava clinched the title by spelling the word, “altitude” correctly.

Ava is in Mrs. Lance’s classroom, while second-place finisher David is in Ms. Williams’ class.

Ava will represent Watervliet City Schools at the Capital Region BOCES Spelling Bee at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

Congratulations to all our top spellers (listed below)!

INSERT picture of student spelling bee champ and runner up

Student: Leighton Cassidy
Teacher: Budniewski
Grade: 4

Student: Jack Sierra
Teacher: Heid
Grade: 4

Student: Devon Butler, Jr.​
Teacher: Hulslander
Grade: 4

Student: Ava Lindley
Teacher: Lance
Grade: 4

Student: David Kayembe
Teacher: Williams
Grade: 4

Student: Evelyn Delap
Teacher: Bird
Grade: 5

Student: Noor Ul Faheem
Teacher: Gleason
Grade: 5

Student: Aveyah Weller
Teacher: Swyer
Grade: 5

Student: Julius Bostick
Teacher: Travers
Grade: 5

Student: Jessenia George
Teacher: Garhartt
Grade: 6

Student: Jaccob Morehouse
Teacher: LaBoissiere
Grade: 6

Student: Chloe Sherman
Teacher: Lloyd
Grade: 6

Student: Kumail Hader
Teacher: Magyar
Grade: 6

Best of luck to Ava as she competes with hundreds of other area students in the regional spelling bee!