2022 PJMS Spelling Bee draws record number of student participation

By Jacob Mann Frontiersman.com

PALMER — The first Palmer Junior Middle School Spelling Bee since the pandemic started drew a record-breaking number of student attendance.

Over 130 students from all grade levels participated this year, according to PJMS teacher and spelling bee coordinator Linda Klapperich.

“That’s a lot of spelling,” Klapperich said. “There was just tremendous interest. The most I’ve ever had is about 100,” Klapperich said. “I felt fabulous. It was exciting.”

Klapperich said that she was thrilled to come back with such a high turnout and she was impressed with the students’ efforts, especially considering the fact that it was the first spelling for many of the students since elementary school due to the last two years of social distancing and canceled events.

“It gives them a great opportunity,” Klapperich said. “I started the tradition for all ability levels to participate. That’s a huge thing for me. The kids need to be involved in activities.”

Eighth-grade student Ashlyn Wilson won the 2022 Spelling Bee with her fellow eighth-grader, Preston Ogden, as the first runner-up. The top three students from each grade also received ribbons. Klapperich said moments like these make for meaningful and lasting memories for the children and their families.

“They did great,” Klapperich said. “A ribbon’s a big deal to a kid.”

Aleah Gustafson was also third among the eighth graders. Iana Ellzey, Grace Rice, Konstance Reiter and Kiera Holz were the top seventh graders. William Hudson, Richard Petty and Richard Reid were the top sixth graders. Hudson was also in the top five overall.

Klapperich has facilitated the school’s spelling bee for two decades. She also coordinates the geography Bee, the student talent show and other annual school events. She said that it’s been a lot of fun to watch the students grow and showcase their talents over the years.

“I love it. I really missed it a lot,” Klapperich said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com