Carson City, Nev. (Feb. 7, 2025) — Empire Elementary School students showcased exceptional talent, dedication and brilliance last week during the school’s first official spelling bee. The competition drew an enthusiastic crowd of parents and teachers, all eager to witness the fierce but friendly contest of words.
Organized by Laura Ricks, Instructional Coach & Literacy Specialist at Empire Elementary, students practiced spelling words and learning patterns months prior. Each grade level competed in their own spelling bee in their grade-level hallways. The top three spellers from each class in their grade level competed against each other.
After multiple intense rounds of spelling challenges, three outstanding fifth-grade students emerged victorious. These top spellers not only earned the title of school champions but have also registered their names as champions for the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee. The winners are:
- Vicente Marquez, first place, fifth grade
- Elicia Cloward, second place, fifth grade
- Jorge Gutierrez Alvarado, third place, fifth grade
Other grade-level winners include the following.
- Leila Manzano, first place, fourth grade
- Abigail Sutton, second place, fourth grade
- Ariana Cruz Rodriguez, third place, fourth grade
- Jaxon Avila, first place, third grade
- Lucy Close, second place, third grade
- Monserratt Torres Orozco, third place, third grade
- Sebastian Nava, first place, second grade
- Daleyza Adams-Obeso, second place, second grade
- Yahir Moreno Villagrana, third place, second grade
- Phoebe Munk, first place, first grade
- Anelli Magallon, second place, first grade
- Olivia Kuckenmeister, third place first grade
“We are incredibly proud of all our students who participated,” Laura Ricks said. “Their hard work, perseverance and love for language were truly inspiring. Seeing them compete at such a high level was such an honor for our school.”
The competition began with students demonstrating impressive spelling skills and composure under pressure. As the rounds progressed, words grew increasingly difficult, but the finalists rose to the challenge, showcasing their exceptional vocabulary and focus.
ABOUT Carson City School District
Located in Nevada’s capital, Carson City School District offers public education to approximately 7,300 students throughout Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 alternative high school and 1 comprehensive high school. Carson City School District boasts many successes including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced-placement classes, among several others. For more information, visitcarsoncityschools.com.
