How Do You Spell ‘incomprehensible’?

Submitted by Rotary Club of San Juan Islands.

Well, if you were Hazel Johnson at the 16th annual Rotary Spelling Bee you would have received a First Place Trophy, $100, your 6th grade class, taught by Mrs. Mapstead, was awarded $200, and $300 was received by Paideia Classical School. Favorite book? “just about every book I’ve ever read (which is a lot).

In second place for the second year in a row was Oliver Parkin, a 7th grader from Friday Harbor Middle School. Oliver received a trophy and a check for $75. His class, taught by Mr. McKinnon, received $150, and his school received $200. Nickname? Window Jumper.

This year, we introduced a Third Prize category. Lo and behold: a TIE! Isabel Bashaw, 6th grader from Ms Putney’s class at Friday Harbor Middle School. Miles Battles, 5th grader from Mrs Malo’s class at Orcas Elementary School. Both students received a trophy.

All other contestants (27) received a medal in appreciation for their participation. Webinar brought us 8 students from Orcas. Ironically, Miles attended in person, but bolted from the stage to catch the Orcas ferry home, and spelled the word correctly in the ferry line! What a finish!

Our sincere gratitude to Rev Greg Lund for offering The Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church on short notice. THANK YOU to Rotarians Paul make-it-happen Mayer, Pronouncer: Susan Martin, Announcer: Steve Bowman, Giver of Medals: Tony Vivenzio, Judges: Pete Rose and Carrie Unpingco, Tom Sibert and Queen Bea. And to family, friends, and teachers whose ‘words of encouragement’ helped create a memorable 2022 Rotary Spelling Bee.