Piggott students qualify for county spelling bee

Three winners, and one alternate, were selected at the Piggott School District spelling bee Wednesday, Jan. 6. Keeping with local tradition, representatives of Piggott State Bank presented the participants, winners and alternate with cash prizes. Pictured are, from left--Sharon Mann of Piggott State Bank, alternate Haley Trosper, winner Amber McNew of the eighth grade, winner Emilee Seegraves of the fourth grade, winner Jordan Blascoe of the seventh grade and Paula Blackwell, president and CEO of Piggott State Bank. (photo provided) [Click to enlarge]

Piggott Schools hosted the annual district-wide spelling bee Wednesday, Jan. 6. At the conclusion of the competition, the three winners and one alternate were presented with plaques.

Keeping with local tradition, Paula Blackwell of Piggott State Bank presented cash awards to the participants, winners and alternate.

The three top finishers from the local bee will take part in the county-wide spelling bee scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 21, at Rector.

Students taking part in the local bee for 2010 included Jordan Blascoe, Amber Evans, Katelynn Woodard, Kalli Watson-Smith, Amber McNew, Haley Trosper, R.J. Smith, Connor Boyster, Sadie Sawyers, Quinton Mauldin, Anna McMillon, Grayson Murray, Danielle Steagal, Katie Dobbins, Chelsey Moore, Madison Blevins, Jacob Miller, Tyler Peters, Josh Lyman, Madison Salter, Molly Lambert, Colby Crossfield, Gage Jackson, Emilee Seegraves and Brooke Patillo.

The top three finishers for this year's local spelling bee were eighth grader Amber McNew, seventh grader Jordan Blascoe and fourth grader Emilee Seegraves. This year's alternate from Piggott is Haley Trosper.

The winner of the upcoming county spelling bee at Rector will qualify to represent Clay County in the state spelling bee. That event will be held Saturday, March 6, in the University Theatre on the campus of UALR, at 121 East Capitol, Avenue, Little Rock.