Olive Elementary Student Wins Novato Regional Spelling Bee

NOVATO, CA — A student from Olive Elementary School won the Marin County Novato Regional Elementary Spelling Bee this week.

Ben Madarasz, a fifth grader, won the contest Tuesday at San Jose Middle School in Novato. The winning word was "exaggerate."

The following five finalists will represent the Novato region at the Marin County Elementary
Spelling Bee Championship on Saturday at Lucas Valley Elementary School in San Rafael:

1. First place: Ben Madarasz, fifth grade, Olive Elementary School
2. Second place: Tippy Thomson, sixth grade, Sinaloa Middle School
3. Third place: Abby Fisher, fifth grade, Loma Verde Elementary School
4. Fourth place: Bryant Aoanan, fifth grade, Loma Verde Elementary School
5. Fifth place: Sanaa Sunak, fifth grade, Olive Elementary School

The regional and county elementary spelling bees are part of a countywide program of spelling contests coordinated by the Marin County Office of Education.