The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and MUW hosted the 2022 Lowndes District Spelling Bee at Rent Auditorium on Feb. 9. The event was sponsored by the CLCC Education Committee, Coffee House on 5th and MUW.

All schools in the area that serve grades 4-8 were invited to participate in the competition.

Each registered school holds a qualifying event and sends two students to the district. Schools represented were Annunciation, Caledonia Elementary and Middle, Columbus Middle, Cook Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Franklin Academy, Heritage Academy, New Hope Elementary and Middle, Sale Elementary, Stokes-Beard Elementary, West Lowndes Elementary and High School.

The participants were Elijah Bluitt, Aaliyah Williams, Hannah Kate Markham, Jonny Haba, Abby Barr, Angelina Tan, Christopher Young, Chadarius Washington, Addison Phillips, Abigail Wilds, Berkleigh Halford, Landyn Abrams, Chozen Bryant, Jaylen Fisher, Ashton Logan, Calla Crawford, Anaiyah Hicks, Kyleih Sharp, Nakylan McKinney, Azaria Young, Aubrey Gray, Jokobe Sherrod, Will Thompson, Dallis Lawson, Jordan Mixon, Ahqui Beckum and Payton Hairston.

The competition ended with Tan, a seventh-grader at Annunciation Catholic School, as the champion and Logan, a sixth-grader at Caledonia Middle School, as runner-up. The championship word was perpendicular.

Tan received a $250 check courtesy of the CLCC Education Committee, a $100 gift card to Friendly City Books, and a $100 gift card to Papa John’s.

Logan received a $25 gift card to Friendly City Books and a $25 gift card to Papa John’s.

All participants received a certificate and coupon to Friendly City Books.

Tan will represent the Lowndes District in the state spelling bee, the final qualifier for Scripps National. Logan will serve as alternate.

“We are so proud of all the participants,” said Education Committee Chairman Glenn Lautzenhiser. “Their seat here today means they are already champions. It is a strong testament to their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to all and we commend Angelina and Ashton on a job well done.”

“It was amazing to see the area students be able to come together and compete,” said Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Director Wilson Beck. “MUW did an unbelievable job creating a setting that was both comfortable and safe for all in attendance. Their attention to detail and hospitality was top notch. We were so honored to have President Nora Miller give the welcome. It was the perfect touch.”

The Mississippi Spelling Bee will also be held at Rent Auditorium in March.

“Plans and accommodations for those traveling to Columbus from all over the state are well under way,” continued Beck. “We really want to roll out the red carpet for them and make them understand why we are called The Friendly City.”

Lautzenhiser concluded, “A huge thank you to everyone involved. Events like these are exactly how we want to support local education. The collaboration of the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, MUW, the schools, sponsors and citizens of Columbus and Lowndes County was truly remarkable.”

For information, contact Wilson Beck, [email protected] or call 662-328-4491.