Isabella Dia Bonsu, a seventh grader at St. Peter’s School, left, uses her hands to draw out letters during the final round of the Charles County Spelling Bee held March 6 at Piccowaxen Middle School. She spelled the word pergola correct in the final round as was named champion. Also pictured are Milton M. Somers Middle School student Jack Alcorn, middle, who received second place, and Adam Alattas of Mattawoman Middle School, right, who finished in third place.

LA PLATA, Md. – The word of the night at the March 6 Charles County Spelling Bee was “pergola.” Isabella Dia Bonsu, a seventh grader at St. Peter’s School, spelled pergola correct in the final round of the 41st annual Bee to earn the title of top speller. She will represent Charles County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee set for May 28-30.

 

Finishing in second place this year was Jack Alcorn, an eighth-grader from Milton M. Somers Middle School, followed by Mattawoman Middle School seventh grader Adam Alattas in third place. Alcorn also came in second place at last year’s Bee.

 

At the start of the final round, there were four students in the running for the champion title. Finishing in fourth place in the final round was Theodore G. Davis Middle School eighth grader Hooria Umer.

Isabella Dia Bonsu, a seventh grader at St. Peter’s School, left, was named champion at the Charles County Spelling Bee held March 6 at Piccowaxen Middle School. She spelled the word pergola correct in the final round. Also pictured are Adam Alattas, right, of Mattawoman Middle School who finished in third place, and second place winner Milton M. Somers Middle School student Jack Alcorn, back. Bonsu will represent Charles County at the national Scripps Spelling Bee set for May 28-30.

Bonsu also helped to win the overall team award for St. Peter’s. Her teammates include eighth graders Kathleen Cain and Abigail Vanasse, seventh grader Eiane Tacastacas and sixth grader Isaiah Waring. Coach of the team is Haley Potter. Bonsu received a trophy and award for her overall award win. Vic Samuels from Bee sponsor Educational Systems Federal Credit Union also presented Bonsu with a gift basket and $500 gift card.

 

A total of 60 middle school spellers on teams from Charles County schools, both public and private, competed at the Bee held at Piccowaxen Middle School. The national event is set for May 28-30 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at the National Harbor. Watch the county Bee on the Charles County Public Schools website at https://www.ccboe.com/ccboetv/?videos=41st-charles-county-spelling-bee.