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Open Door School student Wesley Fitzpatrick goes to the white board for his turn to spell. Fitzpatrick won first place at the middle school level in the school’s spelling bee on Thursday. (The Ironton Tribune | Heath Harrison)

Ethan Rown shakes hands with the judges after his final turn at spelling in the Open Door School’s spelling bee on Thursday, in which he won third place at the high school level. (The Ironton Tribune | Heath Harrison)

Open Door School student Austin Stapleton goes to the white board for his turn to spell. Stapleton won first place at the high school level in the school’s spelling bee on Thursday. (The Ironton Tribune | Heath Harrison)

Winners at the high school level in Open Door School’s spelling be on Thursday were, from left, Austin Stapleton, first place, Konnor Patrick, second place, and Ethan Rowen, third place.

Lillian Thomas, first place, elementary level.

Kyle Ward, second place, elementary level.

Wesley Fitzpatrick, first place, middle school level.

Brooklyn Eddy, second place, middle school level.

Austin Stapleton, first place, high school level.

Konnor Patrick, second place, high school level.

Ethan Rowen, third place, high school level.

Winners at the high school level in Open Door School’s spelling be on Thursday were, from left, Austin Stapleton, first place, Konnor Patrick, second place, and Ethan Rowen, third place.

Open Door School hosts annual event

COAL GROVE — Students from five classes took part in Open Door School’s spelling bee on Thursday.

It was a return for the annual event, which did not take place last year, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Altogether 14 contestants, from the elementary, middle school and high school levels participated. Students were given the option of spelling the word aloud, writing it on a white board or using a keyboard, whatever their level of comfort was.

The bee went on for nearly an hour and a half, with most contestants lasting its duration.

Ethan Rowen, who finished third in the high school category, answered so many words correctly, by the time he was eliminated he asked the judges, “Am I out?”

When told he could sit with the audience at that point, he replied, “Nice!”

Words were read by Malina Justice, a teacher of the high school level at the school. Students who placed in each category were awarded a certificate, trophy and facsimile cash.

Winners were:
Elementary school:
• First place – Lillian Thomas
• Second place – Kyle Ward

Middle School:
• First place – Wesley Fitzpatrick
• Second place – Brooklyn Eddy

High School:
• First place – Austin Stapleton
• Second place – Konnor Patrick
• Third place – Ethan Rowen – Third place

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