THIS EVENING’S POST is about trying
THIS EVENING’S POST is about trying. And winning and losing. And spelling, and kids… Our grandson Henry recently won his school district’s Spelling Bee competition for 5th to 8th graders. He is in sixth grade, and smart as a whip. Today came the big day as spelling bee winners from 19 school districts came together for the central Minnesota Spelling Bee championship. We went to watch. It was great to see all those kids on that stage together, different heights, different sizes, different shapes and colors. Proud and a little bit nervous. All of them, smart and serious students, representing their schools. Their families.
Then the competition began. And the numbers began to be whittled down. We felt the pain of each child that came upon a word they didn’t really know or a pronunciation or context they didn’t quite understand. There were some hard words. A couple I might have missed myself. But Henry hung tough. He reached the 5th round—only ten spellers left. The Top Ten spellers in Central Minnesota! And then disaster struck. A word even Henry, with his voluminous reading—had never encountered.
And so, that was it. Top 10. And disappointed. But we are so proud of him! And all these students. So wonderful to see such serious, honest efforts. And the awarding of medals. And smiles of achievement. And next year, in the 7th grade, Henry can try again. For one of the top 3 trophies. And even a trip to Nationals. Who knows what might happen?!! But for now, we celebrate a grandson. And a whole stage full of winners.