Local spelling whiz advances to state competition
A fifth grade student at Stanwood A. Murphy Elementary School in Scotia will be on her way to the California State Spelling Bee in Stockton in May.
11-year-old Bethannie Shahid was one of two elementary school level finalists at the Humboldt County Spelling Bee, held March 3. One of her final words she spelled correctly was “embarrass.” Shahid was also a finalist at the elementary school level in the Eel River Valley Regional Spelling Bee, held Feb. 13, which qualified her for participation in the Humboldt County Spelling Bee.
About competing in the California State Spelling Bee in May, Shahid said, “I am excited, kind of nervous, but not really.” And for those who competed at the county level, but did not advance, Shahid said, “I feel bad for the people who lost.”
Shahid said to study her spelling she practices each page of words and then has her mom quiz her on those words. “I cut out the words, put them in a jar and my mom or grandma pull them out and quiz me,” Shahid said. She also said she learned all the word's homonyms and their meanings.
With her family, Shahid enjoys playing games, watching movies, going to church, baking and cooking, and “of course, studying spelling words.” Her hobbies include gymnastics, making crafts, and doing fundraisers for her school.
“My mom, dad, both sets of grandparents, and (my) teachers are very excited that I won,” Shahid said.
The California State Spelling Bee will take place on May 13 at the San Joaquin County Office of Education in Stockton. The Humboldt County Office of Education will cover the cost of travel and registration for Shahid and the three other local students qualified to attend.
Kazzie Woods from Winship School in Eureka was the second elementary school level — grades four to six — finalist, and the two junior high school level — grades seven through nine — finalists were Jerome Everta from Winship School and Avery Saunders from McKinleyville Middle School.