SHELBY — Victory was a five-letter word at this year’s Richland County Third Grade Spelling Bee.
After several rounds, Sadie Buzard of Shelby Elementary School took the bee’s top prize by correctly spelling ‘navel.’
The ninth annual Mansfield-Richland County Third Grade Spelling Bee took place Feb. 21 at Madison Middle School. Bee organizer Linda Burrage estimated around 75 students participated in the competition, which included preliminary and final rounds and lasted several hours.
“We are so proud of Sadie Buzard for her amazing achievement in the spelling bee,” said Principal Sue Snyder of Shelby City Schools.
“Events like this build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and teach perseverance — valuable lessons that extend beyond the classroom. Seeing our students challenge themselves and succeed is an inspiration to our entire school community.”
Bellville Elementary’s Ellie Crowl was the runner-up finisher.
“We are incredibly proud of Ellie Crowl and Norra Lane for participating in the Richland County Spelling Bee,” Bellville Elementary Principal Jonathan Burras said.
“Both girls are excellent students and who come to school ready to learn. They both truly represent what it’s like to be a Colt.”
Natasha Jolin, a third grade teacher at Stingel Elementary, said she’s attended the bee for several years to cheer her students on. In addition to showing off their spelling, Jolin said the bee gives them an opportunity to build their confidence, public speaking and stage presence.
That was certainly the case for Stingel’s Kassiel Orsini, who rounded out the podium at third place.
“I think she was definitely nervous but she showed a lot of grit and patience,” said Jolin said.
The bee is open to all Richland County schools, according to Burrage. Fourteen schools sent students to participate.
Spelling bee founder: With a little help, we can educate our kids
Burrage founded the bee in 2017 while working as a substitute teacher.
“The spelling bee isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about literacy, community building and fostering the successful futures of these students,” she said.
Burrage said the bee is her way of doing her part in a world where teachers are overworked and underpaid.
“Everybody has to come together to make it work,” she said. “With a little help, we can educate our kids.”
While early literacy skills are rebounding since the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still room for improvement.
During the 2023-2024 school year, 64.5 percent of third-grade students were reading at or above grade level, according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Burrage said she was encouraged by the community’s willingness to rally around the Mansfield-Richland County Spelling Bee.
More than 30 businesses, churches, unions, banks and credit unions contributed to the cost of goodie bags and t-shirts for competitors.
Meijer and Jones Potato Chips provided food for competitors and their families.
Judges, pronouncers and other volunteers also donated their time. Beth Owens of the Richland County Domestic Relations Court and Michael Kemerer of the Mansifeld Municipal Court served as judges.
Ginny Corso was the round keeper. Winston Greene was the pronouncer. Patricia McCrutter was the master of ceremonies.
“I’m so proud of the people that want to donate their time to do this,” Burrage said.
“Actions speak louder than words. We are actually trying to do something about (early literacy).”
She said she believes it’s the community’s responsibility to support kids — and Richland County has risen to the challenge.
“This is possible because those people made it possible,” Burrage said.
Sponsors
Bee sponsors and in-kind donors included Arby’s, ABC Warehouse, Altrusa, Cinemark 14, Five Below, Golden Corral, Hong Kong Buffet, Jones Potato Chips, Kohl’s, Long John Slivers, McDonald’s, Penn Station, Pumpkin Seed, Richland Carrousel, School Specialty, Skyline Chili, Starbucks, Sol Froyo, Greater Mitchell Chapel AME Church, with Temple Church of God in Christ, Maddox Memorial Church, Shiloh Baptist, Providence Baptist, Richard and Arline Landers Foundation, Richland County Foundation, Kleshinski Morrison & Morris, KEM McCartney & Associates, United Steelworkers Local 169, Ken Bishop Insurance, LiUNA Local 1216, Bricklayers Local 40, Crystal Care, Kalynn Dunn, Park National Bank, Mechanics Bank, Sutton Bank and Richland Academy of the Arts.