The Junior High Spelling Bee ended with a “poppet” today as seventh grader Joey Peroni successfully conquered 13 rounds of spelling, winning the competition with the unusual word, which means "an endearingly sweet young girl or child" or "a small human often depicted in witchcraft or sorcery." (Although a homophone, this poppet is not the latest fidget fad that all of our elementary students love!) The competition quickly heated up in the final rounds as the five 7th and 8th graders challenged each other with their spelling prowess until Joey was left victorious.

Joey has been practicing for the competition since November with Mrs. Cheryl Larson, who advises and oversees both Reiffton's and the Junior High's Bees. When asked, he shyly admits he might have a natural knack for spelling, winning the Bee in third grade and coming in third in fourth grade at Lorane Elementary. Both of Joey's parents, Matt and Dena, agree: "He probably spells better than both of us," they said with a laugh.

Our congratulations to the other Bee participants, who include (from left to right):

• Lena Bluestone,
• Evey Manke
• Joey Peroni
• Danielle McLaughlin
• Maya Paduret

Please help us wish the best of L-U-C-K to Joey as he goes on to compete in the 3rd Annual Diamond City Regional Spelling Bee in Wilkes-Barre in March. Our thanks, also, to all of this year's participants and our advisor, Mrs. Larson, for their time and dedication of upholding this national tradition here in Exeter!