Seventeen third through eighth grade students from Drew Central and Monticello schools competed in the Drew County Spelling Bee on February 4. Dr. Kay Walter of UAM served as the pronouncer, and Belinda Carpenter, Ashley Griever, Trudy Jackson, and Brandon Weekley were the judges.

After 33 intense rounds, the bee ended with Mackenzie Hawkins (DC) in 3rd place, Ralph Cuadras (MMS) in 2nd place, and Lily Copico (MMS) as Champion. Commercial Bank awarded $100 and a goody bag to the Champion, and 2nd place and the Champion both received a year’s subscription to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Lily will go on to represent Drew County in the Arkansas State Spelling Bee on March 8 in Little Rock. The state bee is hosted by the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, and is a preliminary for the Scripps’ National Spelling Bee in Washington D. C. Lily is the daughter of Ryan and Rebecca Copico.

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