MANSFIELD, Ohio — Crestview eighth grader Noah Blum started his Thursday morning with a sweet victory. Of 58 total contestants, he was named champion of the Richland County Spelling Bee.
“It feels great,” Blum said of his triumph. He defeated runner-up Crystal McCann, Madison eighth grader, in the final round by correctly spelling the word, “protein.”
Family members gathered around Blum after he was presented with the first place trophy. “I’m very proud of him,” said his mother, Carrie Blum. Noah credited his mom for helping him prepare for the competition. He said they had several study sessions together.
Although McCann didn’t walk away with the first place prize, she’s already looking ahead to the Tri-County Spelling Bee. “My goal is to win,” she said.
The Tri-County Spelling Bee will include the top 12 spellers from Crawford, Richland and Morrow counties who have participated in county or local bees. The competition will be held Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center. In the event of inclement weather, the alternate date for the bee is Feb. 12.
Those representing Richland County in the Tri-County Spelling Bee include Crystal McCann, Ryan Sammons, Noah Blum, Victorya Floyd, Tucker Schurig, Brad Wendland, Caitlin Stidam, Marcee Madera, Kyle Krystofik, Sarah Lysinger, Sam Hahn and Carmen Devito.
Twelve schools participated in the Richland County Spelling Bee: Crestview, Discovery, Foundation Academy, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Shelby City, Plymouth-Shiloh, Shelby Sacred Heart School, St. Mary’s Mansfield, St. Peter’s and Temple Christian. Students in fourth through eighth grade were eligible to compete.
The event, which was held at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, was co-sponsored by the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center and the Mansfield News Journal.
