Three Martinez Students Headed to Valley View Spelling Bee

Photo: Maryan Sohail (left), Lorena Hernandez and Alejandro Verdin-Pelayo

Three Martinez students will represent their Romeoville school at the Valley View School District 365U middle school spelling bee on Jan. 31.

Alejandro Verdin-Pelayo won the eighth-grade title, Lorena Hernandez was the seventh-grade winner, and Maryam Sohail took the sixth-grade crown at Martinez’ school spelling bee Tuesday afternoon.

Verdin-Pelayo spelled “forfeit” correctly in the seventh round to edge runner-up Thomas Carreon. The winner also correctly spelled orchestra, tuition, cathedral, wistfully, available and beginning.

Hernandez was the seventh-grade winner thanks to the correct spelling of “oracle” and “venerable” in the eighth round. She also was correct on petrified, antidote, oblivious, lounge, classical, liquid and sign. Noah Flores was second.

Sohail’s proper spelling of “nonviolent” in round 7 earned her the sixth-grade win. She also correctly spelled reggae, fervently, initials, clients, lantern and leaky. Christopher Ruiz was second.

Submitted by Valley View School District