Bernotas 8th Grader Headed to Scripps National Spelling Bee

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL - Bernotas Middle School eighth grader Serena Huberty recently won this year's spelling bee in McHenry County and will be headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in coming months.

Twelve students from McHenry County-area schools participated in this year’s spelling bee, held on March 8, 2017, at McHenry County College. Huberty attributes her spelling prowess to being an avid reader as a child, according to a District 47 news release.

“Before I was a student, I read books a lot with my mom,” she said.

To prepare for this year’s school and regional spelling bees, Huberty studied a school list of about 400 words provided by Scripps. In addition, she utilized a new “tool” -- a word list of approximately 1,100 words -- given to her last year by her language arts teacher.

“We are all so proud of Serena,” said Bernotas Principal Jeff Prickett. “She works hard, takes the spelling bee very seriously, and strives to excel in everything she does. In addition, Serena is probably one of the nicest people you will ever meet - we're pulling for her.”

Huberty is also part of the school’s Science Olympiad team, which recently competed in a regional competition and will now advance to the state competition to be held on April 29, 2017, at the University of Illinois in Champaign. She was also named a semifinalist for the National Geographic State Bee.

Bernotas will be headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. from May 28 to June 3 where she will compete with other middle school students around the nation.

Photo via District 47