GERSTELL ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE

Middle School Students Shine in 14th Annual Spelling Bee

This spring, Gerstell Academy Middle School students showcased their academic excellence and determination in the 14th Annual Spelling Bee. 
Spelling and decoding vocabulary are foundational skills that support strong reading comprehension. As assessments continue to evolve in the age of AI, these skills remain more important than ever—requiring not only memorization, but also critical thinking and language awareness. 
The competition began in March, with initial rounds taking place within each Middle School English class. From there, the top spellers from each grade advanced to the final Spelling Bee on April 8, where they demonstrated impressive courage, perseverance, and focus in front of their peers. 
After an exciting and competitive final round, one standout speller emerged from each grade: 
  • 5th Grade: Salim F. 
  • 6th Grade: Jackson S.
  • 7th Grade: Cassie C. 
  • 8th Grade: Parker H. 
In the championship round, 7th grade student Cassie C. earned the title of 2026 Spelling Bee Champion, capping off an outstanding performance. 

We extend our sincere thanks to Middle School English teachers Mrs. McCann, Mrs. Cowet, and Ms. Vlahoyiannis for their leadership and dedication throughout the process. Their guidance helped students build confidence and work to reach their full potential. 

We also appreciate the support of Ms. Rhoderick, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Uzarowski, whose contributions helped make this event a success.
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2500 Old Westminster Pike
Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
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