Kiner captures Lakeville spelling bee with ‘hysterical’

  • By Dave Mast
  • February 18, 2010
  • 565
                        
Lakeville fourth-grader Cody Kiner is more than happy that the rules were altered as to who can and can’t be in his school’s spelling bee. For the first time ever, Lakeville Elementary third- and fourth-grade students were allowed to compete, much to the joy of Kiner, who spelled his way to victory. “It was a new experience for all of our third- and fourth-grade students,” said Sheila Hanna, Lakeville principal. “With the winner being a fourth-grade student, we can see why the age restriction was changed.” Some students took advantage of voluntary practices during recess and before school with Hanna. Students also had a list to study from the Scripps National Bee. Ultimately, Kiner went the extra distance to earn the victory, adhering to a practice schedule each evening with his mom, as well as giving up social time to practice with Hanna at school. “He assured me that he knew every word on his study list,” said Hanna. Parents, grandparents, and supporters silently looked on for 12 rounds, as one by one, contestants took a seat after missing a word. After sincere applause, the last two spellers went on to round 13, where runner-up Danny Drummond misspelled “quarantine,” before Kiner went on to win with the word “hysterical.” All participants received certificates, with the champion and runner-up also receiving a Merriam-Webster dictionary, sponsored by the Lakeville PTO. Perhaps as heartwarming as the fourth-grader’s victory was the way both he and Drummond responded following the final round. Though disappointed, the runner-up graciously congratulated the winner, who quietly accepted the compliment and shook the hand of the runner-up. “There was no gloating, no posturing, just genuine humility on the one hand and acceptance on the other,” said Hanna. “I’m so proud of these young men.” For the bee, 25 participants qualified through a written exam. Third-grade qualifiers included: Taylor Dye, Madeline Hostettler, Halleigh Anderson, Sara Friedrich, Gabriella Sherman, Rachel McVay, Faith Hostettler, Erin Norman, Katelin Myers and Karley Halloran. Fourth-graders in the competition included: Katelyn McClure, Maddie Firebaugh, Chase Wells, Emily Ramseyer, Cody Kiner, Emily Rolince, and Tyler Thompson. Fifth-grade competitors were: Cherokee We, Kaylyn Halloran, Bekka Facemire, Drew Campbell, Danny Drummond, Keith Miller, Becca Reynolds, Cody Woods, Stephanie Keck and Trenton Bridenthal. Kiner is a member of Gayle Akkerman’s class. His parents are Donald and Mary Kiner of Nashville.


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