Every year in January, Catholic schools across the nation celebrate the successes of their students and the contributions of their communities, and recognize their achievements as institutions of quality academics and faith-filled instruction. The annual Archdiocesan Spelling Bee is one of the many diverse events held during Catholic Schools Week in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Other events that mark the week include open houses, special liturgies and appreciation days for parents, students and faculty.

In the past month each elementary school hosted a local spelling bee to identify a student winner to represent the school at the archdiocesan level. Held in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the archdiocesan competition included student representatives from 18 schools. The student competitors, ranging from fourth to eighth grade, gathered Jan. 27 at St. Jude the Apostle School, Atlanta, for this year’s contest.

After nearly 90 minutes of competition and the spelling of more than 220 words, a winner finally emerged. Correctly spelling “irreconcilable” for the bee championship was seventh-grader Christina DeLurgio of Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Atlanta. Also placing in the contest was eighth-grader J.P. Smith (second place) from Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Atlanta, and eighth-grader Elysa McBean (third place) from St. Peter Claver Regional School, Decatur.

By finishing in the top three in the bee, these students qualify to compete on the district level, the next step toward the national competition held each spring in Washington, D.C. The bee was described by several in attendance as the most competitive bee in recent memory. The event was an impressive display of skill, talent and sportsmanship on behalf of all of the student participants.

Coordinating the event for St. Jude the Apostle was Kathy Davis. Other officials for the bee included pronouncer Eric McNaughton of Marist School, Atlanta, and judges Angie Owens of Our Lady of Mercy High School, Fairburn, Terry Sides of St. Pius X High School, Atlanta, and Brian Marks of Blessed Trinity High School, Roswell.