Thursday afternoon my husband and I went to the spelling bee sponsored by Rotary Club of the San Juan Islands. Twenty-three students in grades four through eight from our elementary and middle schools and Paideia Classical School competed for the award of being the best speller in 2017.

A competition such as this can be quite unnerving. The first and second place winners deserve a sincere round of applause for their accomplishments! But, all these kids should be congratulated for their poise in standing up on stage in front of an audience and be willing to face the spelling challenges put before them. A special nod of recognition should be given to their teachers and families for their encouragement and support.

Our thanks and appreciation also go to the Rotary Club for their ongoing sponsorship in promoting this commendable activity.

Gay Graham & Ron Hanson

Friday Harbor