Montana’s spelling bee champion has returned from the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Although she didn’t return with another trophy in hand, Clancy eighth grade graduate Natalie Russ came home feeling accomplished.
“I never thought I would make it that far, and I still consider it a huge accomplishment,” Russ told The Monitor.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee consisted of a week of various activities and competitions, which kicked off on May 28 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. During the week of competition Russ made time for some extra activities, including visiting Senator Steve Daines in his D.C. office.
Despite feeling nervous about the competition being filmed, Russ said her favorite part of bee week was correctly spelling the word “kipuka” in round one.
“The entire experience was very exciting,” she said. “I had to remind myself to just breathe and take my time.”
In round two, competitors were tested on their knowledge of definitions. Russ was assigned the question, “Something described as approbatory is expressing,” to which she answered, “condemnation.”
Advancement to the second round was only a handful of syllables away. The correct answer was “commendation.”
For her participation in the bee, Russ received assorted Bee souvenirs, an official certificate of participation from Merriam Webster, a one-year subscription to Merriam Webster Unabridged Online, a 2023 U.S. Mint proof set and a one-year subscription to Britannica Online Premium.
Beyond the material things, Russ returned with valuable life and academic skills.
“I think my time competing in spelling bees has taught me that if you work hard at something and persevere, it will pay off,” she said. “In addition, I think the bee has definitely improved my public speaking skills and my ability to remain calm under pressure.
Although she missed her graduation ceremony at Clancy School while at the bee, Russ said her experience with spelling bees may have some impact on her transition to high school: “I think the bee has made me more confident talking to people I don’t know. I also learned a lot of hard words while studying, so that could be helpful at some point.”
Montana has yet to have a champion at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
