Schools

Hampton Eighth-Grader Named Reigning Spelling Bee Champ

Stella Finnegan was crowned the winner during the final round on Jan. 18, with seventh-grader Ella O'Brien taking second place.

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From left: Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa, Stella Finnegan, Principal Kenneth Hawkins, Ella O'Brien, and Assistant Principal Bridget M. Hughes after the Spelling Bee.
From left: Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa, Stella Finnegan, Principal Kenneth Hawkins, Ella O'Brien, and Assistant Principal Bridget M. Hughes after the Spelling Bee. (Hampton School District)

HAMPTON, NH — An eighth-grader from Hampton Academy is the reigning Spelling Bee champion after winning an all-grade contest last month, Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa and Principal Kenneth Hawkins announced in a news release Friday.

Eighth-grader Stella Finnegan was crowned the winner during the final round on Jan. 18, with seventh-grader Ella O'Brien taking second place, according to the release.

Students participated in semi-final rounds earlier in the month, and finals lasted 20 rounds.

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Finnegan's winning word? "Doppelgänger."

"This was such a fun event for all the students, teachers and staff involved," Hawkins wrote in the release. "I wish to congratulate Stella on her win and thank all the staff who helped organize this successful spelling bee."

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