Rehoboth Elementary students shine at school spelling bee

Rehoboth Elementary School held its annual spelling bee Jan. 22, showcasing the skills, focus and determination of fourth- and fifth-grade students.

The contest follows the Scripps Spelling Bee format, beginning with classroom-level bees that produced winners who advanced to the school competition. Demonstrating the high level of preparation among this year’s participants, spellers advanced through multiple rounds, with the field narrowing to just six students by round six.

After eight rounds, Campbell Allen, a fifth-grader, was named the Rehoboth Elementary School Spelling Bee champion. Campbell secured first place with the winning word “cubism.” Her victory follows a strong showing in last year’s competition, when she earned third place. As school champion, Campbell will advance to represent Rehoboth Elementary at the regional spelling bee in Dover in March.

The competition continued through round 10, where Jack Spittler, also a fifth-grader, earned runner-up honors after correctly spelling “diablo,” when the remaining competitors were eliminated. “Watching our students grow in confidence and take on a challenge like the spelling bee is incredibly rewarding,” said Tina Windsor, a fifth-grade teacher and spelling bee coordinator. “Their dedication, perseverance and willingness to push themselves truly reflects the hard work they put into learning every day.”

Campbell’s achievement is especially meaningful given her personal journey. Shortly after turning 2 years old, she was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and underwent major surgery to remove a lacrosse ball-sized tumor from her cerebellum, followed by years of medical treatment and recovery. Despite facing multiple surgeries, infections, hospital stays and challenges early in life, Campbell has shown remarkable resilience. This past summer, she was officially declared cancer-free, and today she is thriving academically and personally, despite having a gap in the back of her brain that, although it has closed significantly, will likely never close completely.

“Campbell’s success is about so much more than spelling,” said Windsor. “Her perseverance, resilience and positive spirit shine through in everything she does. Knowing the challenges she has overcome makes this achievement especially meaningful, and she serves as an inspiration to her classmates and everyone who has the privilege of teaching her.”

Rehoboth Elementary School congratulates all spelling bee participants for their hard work and dedication, and extends best wishes to Campbell as she advances to the regional level.