HB spellers make clean sweep

IMLAY CITY - Two Harbor Beach spellers came home winners after competing in the Knights of Columbus regional spelling bee in Imlay City. The Knights of Columbus conducted the event on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Council 4556.

Allison Stein earned the first place trophy in the Class I competition (grades 4-6). Stein is a sixth grader at Harbor Beach Community School, and her winning word was “accessible.” Allison is the daughter of David and Janis Stein.

Danin R. Tenerife claimed the first place trophy in the Class II competition (grades 7-9). Tenerife is an eighth grader at Our Lady of Lake Huron in Harbor Beach, and the son of Rene Tenerife and Candice Rivera-Tenerife. His winning word was “prescription.” Contestants came from the Thumb and Southeast Michigan to test their skill in spelling, and to qualify for the State Championships.

Competition in the Thumb was conducted in December 2011 and January 2012. The first-place winners, plus the top three Runners-Up, advanced to the regional competition in Imlay City, with two classes, by grade. Class I included students in fourth through sixth grades, and Class II included those in grades 7-9.

A total of 23 students competed in Class I, with 10 from the Thumb representing three local councils. After 59 rounds, Stein, representing Council 11432, earned first place. Lilliana Chappel, St. Clair, came in second. In Class II, first place was captured by Tenerife, representing Council 11432, after 79 rounds. Second place was earned by Autumn King, Bad Axe, representing Council 1546. Stein and Tenerife, along with runners-up, will compete in the state finals, which will take place on Saturday, March 3 in Standish, and determine the state champion. The national dates have not been released.

Congratulations to both for their hard work and determination!