Superior Elementary School held its local Scripps National Spelling Bee competition on Wednesday, Feb. 25 to determine which students will represent the school at the upcoming county bee in Alberton.

The county winner advances to the state competition in Bozeman at Montana State University on Saturday, March 21.

Caleb Durovey, a seventh grader, won the Superior School District Spelling Bee in the 26th round. Fifth grader, Phoebe Boyes was runner-up. Qualifiers advancing to the county bee at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4 in Alberton are:

8th Grade: Chloe Carroll

7th Grade: Caleb Durovey, Loren Mellen, Aaliyah Caswell, Murdoc Ovitt, Brylee Neu and Aidan Mellen

6th Grade: Ruby Pittsley, Brian Murray and Mia Mellen

5th Grade: Phoebe Boyes, Payslie Kovalsky, Kynlee Boyce and Bridger Feasel

4th Grade: Kaleb Clairmont, Clara Markuson, Evy Kemp and Emerielyn Ruiz

“Congratulations to all!” wrote Superior School Counselor Carissa Kuhl in a mass email announcing the winners. “Thank you to the team that put this together and practiced after hours with the students. It is such a wonderful experience for everyone.”

While the traditional spelling bee will send one student forward in competition, organizers hope the excitement it generated won’t end there. Spelling bee pronouncer Angie Hopwood, who also teaches fifth and sixth grade science and ELA, is introducing a new way for the entire community to join in on the fun. Building on the momentum of the school bee, Hopwood is launching the first-ever Team Spelling Showdown, a fast-paced, team-based competition that blends spelling skills with strategy and fundraising. 

“Kind of like a spelling bee and Wheel of Fortune combined,” Hopwood said.

Unlike the traditional bee, where a single misspelled word sends a contestant back to their seat, the Team Spelling Showdown offers second chances. Teams can ‘buy’ their way back into the competition if a mistake is made. Audience members can also pay to return a team to the stage, and teams that get stumped may purchase a letter for help. The lighthearted format keeps the energy high while raising money for the Pool in the Park project.

The idea was inspired by a similar fundraiser in Butte, shared with Hopwood by second-grade teacher Julia Willhite. 

“It sounded like just so much fun,” Hopwood said. “We have these spelling bees coming up, so I’m going to use them to kind of promote the new event.” 

Each team may have up to five players, with a $10 entry fee per participant. Hopwood will serve as pronouncer, just as she did during the school spelling bee.

Several gift baskets will be awarded as prizes. Costs to buy a letter or re-enter the competition have not yet been finalized, but Hopwood said they will remain affordable so everyone can participate. 

“Consider this a community spelling bee, open to anyone and all ages,” she said. 

Grandparents can team up with grandchildren. Co-workers can form teams or challenge one another. Church groups, high school students and teachers are all encouraged to join. Individuals may compete solo or form a team the night of the event. And for those who may not consider spelling their strongest suit, a pocketful of small bills could provide just the redemption needed.

Typically, spelling bees end after eighth grade. For those who enjoyed them in their school days, the Team Spelling Showdown offers a chance to relive that excitement but this time with teammates and strategy. Team names are encouraged, and organizers admit they are learning as they go. 

“This is our first time doing it, so we’re kind of figuring it out,” Hopwood said. “It’s going to be fun!”

Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.in the back room of Riverside Soups and Sandz at 103 River Street in Superior, and the contest will run approximately one hour. Pool in the Park volunteers will be on hand to help make the evening a success.