Forty-one Richmond County School System students competed in the district’s elementary and middle school spelling bee competitions on Friday, with top finishers earning spots in the regional spelling bee.
The event was held at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School and featured students from across the district demonstrating their spelling skills in front of peers, families, and educators.
Elementary competition
In the elementary division, Rory O’Donnell, a fourth-grade student at Blythe Elementary School, earned first place by correctly spelling the word “emporium.”
Marleigh Sudduth, a fourth-grade student from Belair Elementary School, finished as the runner-up.
O’Donnell will represent the Richmond County School System at the regional spelling bee scheduled for Feb. 28, 2026.
Middle school competition
In the middle school division, Domani Hill, an eighth-grade student at Freedom Park K-8 School, claimed first place with the winning word “omniscient.”
Peter Bao, a sixth-grade student at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, placed second.
Both Hill and Bao will advance to the regional spelling bee.
