MEET OUR AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPELLING BEE CONTESTANTS
NAME: Aubria Contrece Johnson
SCHOOL: North Aiken Elementary
GRADE: 5
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): My family includes Vondia McKevie (Mom), Jay’la Hamilton (Cousin), Wanda Hamilton (Aunt), and Rodney Hamilton (Uncle).
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: I love Science.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: I enjoy playing with my little cousin or helping my mom cook.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I would love to be Marine Biologist or a Pediatrician.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: Going to Red Lobster or Applebee’s!
Name: Claire Crowder
School: Paul Knox Middle School
Grade: 8
Family Members: My family includes my Mom, Dad, one Brother, one Sister and our Dog.
Favorite School Subject: I love Algebra.
Favorite Thing to Do When Not Studying For A Spelling Bee: I like to play Tennis
My Future Careers of Interest Include: I would be interested in pursuing something in the Medical Field.
Best Way to Celebrate a Spelling Bee Victory: I would go out for a celebratory dinner.
NAME: Clara Padgett
SCHOOL: East Aiken School of the Arts
GRADE: 5
FAMILY MEMBERS: I have one Dog named Scamp; three cats named Cats Woolen, Tititi and Inky;
and four Chickens named Buffy, Goldie, Clementine and Pearl.
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: Science is my favorite subject.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE:
I enjoy Reading and learning to program computer games.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I would love to become a Doctor.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: Eating yogurt and playing video games, which is a real treat.
NAME: Danielle Gelinas
SCHOOL: Aiken Elementary School
GRADE: 5
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): Mom (Christine) , Dad (Patrick) , Sister (Corinne), and our Cat (Olive).
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: I love Reading.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: I like reading and drawing.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I would like to be an artist.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: Going to get ice cream and then watching a movie.
NAME: Ja'Siah Ozzinae Herrin
School: Warrenville Elementary
GRADE: 5
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): Jimera Baxley-mother, Pierre Herrin-father, Jahvier Herrin-brother, Ja'Kai Herrin-brother, Jayce Herrin-brother
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: Reading
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: Spending time with my family and playing on my laptop.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I want to be a teacher.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: Having a party with my family.
NAME: Kayala Niquashia Brown
SCHOOL: Ridge Spring - Monetta Middle/High School
GRADE: 7
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): My parents are Connie and Michael Brown. I have three sisters, five brothers, three nieces, and four nephews. We have three dogs named: Beast, Storm, and Roxy.
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: My favorite subject at school is English Language Arts because I love to read. Reading puts me in my own little world where no one can fuss at me.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: I love playing with and reading to my little niece.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I would like to work with babies. I think I would probably like to be a nurse in a hospital nursery.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: The best way to celebrate a spelling bee victory would be going out to eat at Zaxby's with my family and friends.
NAME: Jumanah Al-Soudi
SCHOOL: Kennedy Middle School
GRADE: 7
FAMILY MEMBERS: Mother-Sylva Al-Soudi, Father-Jihad Al-Soudi, ad Brother-Farooq Al-Soudi.
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: I enjoy Algebra I.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: Reading, watching television, spending time outside, playing badminton.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I am interested in being a Doctor, Author, and Artist.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: The best way to celebrate a spelling bee victory is by buying lots books for myself and being able to tell everyone that I won.
NAME: Lauren Bell
SCHOOL: Hammond Hill Elementary
GRADE: 5
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): Dad (Charles); Mom (Tiffany); Brother (Madden); and two dogs (Watson and Gus).
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: I love Reading.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: I enjoy drawing and dancing.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: Teaching elementary school and ballet.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: Going out for ice cream (mint chocolate chip).
NAME: Lauren Nicole Hopson
SCHOOL: Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School
GRADE: 6
FAMILY MEMBERS: Mother- Kelly Hopson, Father: Scotty Hopson, Brother: Logan Hopson, Dog: Bella, 2 cats: mama black kitty, kitty
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: Science
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: Social Media and being on the phone talking to my friends.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I would love to be a Singer or Teacher.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: Going out to eat with my family and friends, and then going bowling or playing mini golf.
NAME: Tylus Duane Madison (DEFENDING CHAMPION)
SCHOOL: Langley-Bath-Clearwater Middle SchooL
GRADE: 8
FAMILY MEMBERS: Terence Madison (Dad), Pat Madison (Mom), and a Chihuahua named Yoda!
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: I love Algebra.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: I enjoy Basketball, Golf, Video Games, Playing the Saxophone, and Hanging out with friends!
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I haven't completely decided yet.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: I would like to go out to eat with all of my family!
Name: Lucille (Lucy) Marie Heath
School: Jefferson Elementary
Grade: 5
Family Members: Clinton (Dad), Debra (Mom), and siblings Andy (brother), Ruthie (sister), and Heidi (sister).
Favorite School Subject: I love Reading.
Favorite Thing to Do When Not Studying or Preparing for a Spelling Bee: I like to ride my bike, read, and play with my friends.
My Future Careers of Interest Include: I am interested in being a Doctor or Teacher.
Best Way to Celebrate a Spelling Bee Victory: Going to eat at the Olive Garden.
NAME: Natalie Owens
SCHOOL: New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School
GRADE: 7
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): Doug and Krystal Owens (Parents), Austin and Megan Maxwell; Aunt Laura; brother Grayson Owens, Peyton Owens, Brighton Owens and Toryn Lutz; sisters Starr Owens, Jeweliana Owens and Kadence Maxwell; and dogs Baby, Angelina and Chipper.
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: I really enjoy English Language Arts.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: Watching my favorite television show, Switched at Birth.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: Being an OBGYN.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: Going out with my friends and family and celebrating at a restaurant or fun art place.
MEET OUR ACPSD ALTERNATES
NAME: Abigail McCurry
SCHOOL: Horse Creek Academy
GRADE: 7
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): Dan (Dad), Mom (Joye), Alton and Audrey (siblings) and three dogs; Daisy, Guinness & Beckham.
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: Math and Science.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: I enjoy Tennis and Yoga.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I would like to be a Speech Therapist.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: Eating cupcakes of course!
NAME: James (Jamey) Hegler
SCHOOL: East Aiken School of the Arts
GRADE: 5
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): Leslie and Jack Hegler (Parents), Jeremiah McDuffie (Brother), Brittney Winburn (Sister) and Handsome (Dog).
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: Social Studies.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: I love to read.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I would like to be a Politician.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: Go shopping!
NAME: Alexander Lewis
SCHOOL: Greendale Elementary School
GRADE: 5
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): Alisa Parsons (Mom), Darrell Mincey (Dad), Alana Lewis and Danika Mincey (Sisters), and Darrell Mincey, Jr. (Brother).
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: I love Social Studies.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: I enjoy playing games with family and playing basketball.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I would like to be an Artist.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: Eating lunch at Subway!
NAME: Delaney Wendt
SCHOOL: J.D. Lever Elementary School
GRADE: 5
FAMILY MEMBERS (INCLUDING PETS): All of my family lives near one another. All together I have 9 cats, 3 dogs, grandparents, a stepmom, dad, nanny (grandma’s mom) and 3 brothers, (ages 4, 6, 8), 2 cousins, aunt and uncle.
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: I love Math.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: Play on my tablet or ride my bike with Braylon and Elizabeth.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: My future career would either be as a math teacher or a Veterinarian.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: The best way to celebrate a spelling bee victory in my opinion is to go to a restaurant, and one of my favorites is Golden Corral!
NAME: Laura Bachelder
SCHOOL: Paul Knox Middle School
GRADE: 8
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): Ed (Dad) and Lisa (Mom) and two dogs; Jake and Katie.
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: Social Studies.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: I like to swim.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I would like to be a lawyer.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: A trip to Walt Disney World!
NAME: Grace Elizabeth Byers
SCHOOL: Leavelle McCampbell Middle School
GRADE: 7
FAMILY MEMBERS (PLEASE INCLUDE PETS): Candis Y. Byers (Mom), William Byers (Dad), Lilly, Dareyla, Trisha and Caitlin (Sisters), Cody (Brother), Sally the Dog and Jewel the Bird (Pets).
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: I enjoy Mathematics and Pre-Algebra.
FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT STUDYING OR PREPARING FOR A SPELLING BEE: I love drawing and I like to draw people.
MY FUTURE CAREERS OF INTEREST INCLUDE: I would like to be a dermatologist when I grow up. It would be rewarding to make everyone beautiful.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE A SPELLING BEE VICTORY: I would go out to eat with my family to Sakura Japanese Restaurant in Aiken.