27 spellers go through 200 words at archdiocese spelling bee

Meqdim Abera, a fifth-grader from Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Ellicott City, won the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic School Spelling Bee for the second year in a row, correctly spelling the word “paraffin.” He was among 27 students from grades four through six to compete in the bee, held May 16 at St. Joseph School in Cockeysville.

Dominic Emory, a sixth-grader at St. Mary’s School, Annapolis, came in second. He and Meqdim faced off as finalists for 15 head-to-head rounds. Adrian Abbondanzio, a fourth-grader from St. Mary Catholic School, Hagerstown, took third place.

The contest was sponsored by the archdiocesan Department of Catholic Schools and Catholic Review Media. Christopher Gunty, associate publisher and editor of the Catholic Review, was the pronouncer and emcee. The top three winners each received a plaque, a backpack with gifts from Baltimore-area Chick-Fil-A Restaurants and a gift card. Each contestant received free meal cards from Chick-Fil-A.

The spellers went through more than 200 words in 32 rounds.

To view more photographs from the event, click through the slideshow below: