NEWS RELEASE
(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia)—For the second consecutive year, Claire Meng, an eighth grader from Lakeside Middle School, has emerged as the Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) Spelling Bee Champion. Claire successfully spelled congregation in the 11th round before securing victory with the championship word, dynasty.
The competition, held February 3, brought together 21 top spellers from ACPS elementary and middle schools, with participants demonstrating remarkable skill and perseverance over 11 rounds. Mila Jarufe Lopez, a seventh grader from Community Lab School, finished as this year’s runner-up, while Norah Ong, a fifth grader from Woodbrook Elementary School, was the top-performing elementary school competitor.
Claire’s victory secures her a return trip to the Regional Spelling Bee in March, where she will represent ACPS with the support of new community sponsor, Richmond Raceway. Last year, Claire not only won the regional bee but also advanced to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, where she finished in an impressive tie for 22nd place against the nation’s best young spellers.
“Our spelling bee is a celebration of academic excellence and determination, and every student who participated has much to be proud of,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Matthew Haas. “Claire’s dedication and success, not only at the division level but also at last year’s regional and national competitions, is an inspiration to all of us. We look forward to cheering her on as she represents Albemarle County Public Schools at regionals next month.”
Congratulations to all our talented spellers for their dedication and achievements!
Elementary School Division Bee Competitors:
- Greta Tompkins, Agnor Elementary School
- Abigail Park, Baker-Butler Elementary School
- Frances Murray, Broadus Wood Elementary School
- Alice Jones, Brownsville Elementary School
- Dominic Intagliata, Crozet Elementary School
- Mady Barrett, Greer Elementary School
- Arnav Singla, Hollymead Elementary School
- Felix Dong, Ivy Elementary School
- Solomon Weiss, Mountain View Elementary School
- William Gilbert, Murray Elementary School
- Charlotte Meyer, Red Hill Elementary School
- Ulric Orendorff, Scottsville Elementary School
- Vivian Conrath, Stone-Robinson Elementary School
- Ekansh Bhriguwanshi, Stony Point Elementary School
- Norah Ong, Woodbrook Elementary School
Middle School Division Bee Competitors:
- Ethan Wilkinson, Burley Middle School
- Mila Jarufe Lopez (runner-up), Community Lab School
- Neil Handa, Henley Middle School
- Cooper Shurtleff, Journey Middle School
- Claire Meng (champion), Lakeside Middle School
- Lyla Thiede, Walton Middle School
Pictured: Mila Jarufe Lopez (left), runner-up from Community Lab School, and Claire Meng (right), champion from Lakeside Middle School
CONTACT: Jennifer A. Butler, Deputy Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Officer
PHONE: 434-260-4634