On January 23, Hart students, staff and parents gathered to watch as 33 fourth and fifth graders represented their classes in the 2009 Hart Spelling Bee. Each participant seemed to be a seasoned bee veteran as they approached the podium, turned to the pronouncer (Instructional Technology Specialist Barb Trudeau), then turned to face the panel of judges, including Librarian Ann Burnett, fourth grade’s own Peter Preheim, and Music Teacher Debbie Noble, to repeat and spell each word.

All students admirably represented their class during this bee and were given several rounds of applause for their efforts. After a few rounds, the championship was awarded to Fifth Grader Jake Nielson. This is Jake’s second consecutive spelling bee championship, and he will go on to represent Hart Elementary in the Collin County Regional Spelling Bee.

After the championship was declared, we watched as a heated tiebreaker ensued for first runner up between Fifth Grader Braxton Bobo and Fourth Grader Leta Sulllivan. In the 24^th and final round, Leta received the ribbon for first runner-up, Braxton took the second runner-up ribbon, and Emily Brochu was awarded third runner-up.

We want to “Hart-ily”applaud the hard work and efforts of all students in this competition and cheer Jake on to success as he advances to the regional level.