TA’s Bianca Pulaski Earns Spot in Regional Spelling Bee
February 18, 2021
On Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, Thetford Academy hosted its 9th annual middle school spelling bee. As in past years, the event – hosted by English teacher Joe Deffner – was held in TA’s Martha Jane Rich Theater. This year’s layout was a little different due to social distancing guidelines, but the rules and structure remained the same.
Pronouncer and judge Rebecca Walter cited each word and shared definitions or usages when asked by the spellers. Two middle school students from each pod were represented, having advanced from qualifying bees. They were: Caleb Crossett, David Thaxton, Ira Crandall, Dillon Vance, Nya Perry, Xander Oshoniyi, Brady Sloop, Bianca Pulaski, Oscar Reo, and Starleigh Fielder.
After a prolonged spell-off with runner-up Oscar Reo, Bianca Pulaski won the bee with the championship word “propane.” Bianca will advance to the virtual regional spelling competition, a Covid adaptation of the annual Scripps event held at St. Michael’s College.
Congratulations to all of TA’s middle school spellers and a big thank you to Joe Deffner for organizing, emceeing, and judging the event; to Rebecca Walter for her role as pronouncer and judge; and to Stacy Barton for her role as recorder.