San Juan Spelling Bee Winner Earns JSerra School Scholarship

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — These kids can spell. Over 400 local students gathered behind the microphone to figure out the root, meaning and most of all the proper spelling of words to gain scholarships. And the crowd that gathered to support them roared for the efforts at a competition every bit as exciting as sports.

JSerra Catholic High School recently hosted its Second Annual Spelling Bee in honor of Catholic Schools Week.

The top 36 5th and 6th grade spellers from local partner schools, including Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano, Our Lady of Fatima in San Clemente, St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel, St. Catherine of Siena in Rialto, St. Edward the Confessor Parish School in Dana Point, St. John’s Episcopal School in Rancho Santa Margarita, and St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, were cheered on by more than 400 classmates throughout the Bee.

Ultimately, 5th grader Jack Bullock of Mission Basilica won first place. He will receive $5,000 per year towards JSerra tuition (a $20,000 value).

The winning word was formaldehyde.

When asked how he felt about the competition, Bullock replied:

“It felt good, but the word I was most worried about was Gregorian.”

The second place winner was Our Lady of Fatima’s 6th grader Nathan Kennedy, who won $2,500 per year towards JSerra tuition ($10,000 value).

The third place winner was St. John Episcopal’s 5th grader Jackson Thun, who won $1,000 per year towards JSerra tuition ($4,000 value).

Brock Perkes, Director of Admissions, commented on the event, “The JSerra Catholic High School Spelling Bee was created to encourage a love of reading, spelling, and ultimately learning. I don’t think I’ve ever heard any gym that loud before. There was a lot of positive energy from the crowd and it was a great way to recognize the efforts of diligent spellers.”

Photos, courtesy Chelsea Thompson (Cornerstone)