Clancy speller enjoys approbatory bee

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.