Kruse Student is Runner Up at District 146 Spelling Bee

After numerous rounds of volleying words between 10 students, District 146 had a new Spelling Bee Champion. Gavin Hemminger, runner up for the last three years, took the championship. Suhail Roussi was named runner up.

“The Board and Administration, along with everyone at District 146, are so proud of the students who made it to the District Spelling Bee,” said Dr. Jeff Stawick, Superintendent. “We are amazed every year at the high caliber of spellers who participate. We wish Gavin the best of luck at the Regional Spelling Bee.”

Hemminger, a sixth grade student at Central Middle School in Tinley Park, won the championship after 18 rounds by correctly spelling the championship word, “revelry.” For the past three years, Hemminger has been the runner-up in the District Spelling Bee. Roussi, a fourth grade student from Kruse Education Center in Orland Park, is this year’s runner-up.

Hemminger will move on to the South Cook ISC Regional Scripps Spelling Bee held on February 5 at Southland College Preparatory Charter High School in Richton Park. The Board of Education recognized both Hemminger and Roussi at its January Board Meeting.

The District 146 Spelling Bee uses the Scripps Spelling Bee rules for competition. Throughout the fall, each school hosts individual spelling bees. The top two from each school moves on to the District Spelling Bee.

Community Consolidated School District 146 is comprised of Central Middle School, Fierke Education Center, Fulton School, Kruse Education Center, and Memorial School. Students from Tinley Park, Orland Park, and Oak Forest attend District 146 schools.