After 12 intense rounds of competition, Tri-County School crowned a new Spelling Bee champion. Eighth grader Dean Cumpson earned first place, with sixth grader Blake Nelson finishing as the runner-up.
The competition featured 24 student participants, each demonstrating strong spelling skills, focus, and determination as the rounds progressed. The audience watched closely as the field narrowed, culminating in a final round where Dean correctly spelled the winning word, “hypnosis,” to secure the title.
As champion, Dean will advance to the Regional Spelling Bee at Northland Community & Technical College (NCTC) on February 4, where he will represent Tri-County School against top spellers from across the region.
Those participating in the Spelling Bee were:
5th Grade
Adeline Oliver
Nora Kraulik
Oliver Lee
Bridger Hanson
Madison Cumpson
Allison Cumpson
6th Grade
Molly Anderson (3rd Place)
Callie Berberich
Caitlyn Stusynski
Brynlie Lefrooth
Afton Pearson
Kora Hendrickson
Jace Helling
Conway Strozyk
Vylla Johnson
Blake Nelson
7th Grade
Corban Kraulik
Jack Sollund
Elliot Sollund
Brodix Duray
8th Grade
Makayla Gunnarson
Kobe Oberg
Dean Cumpson
Eri Housey
A special thank you to Mrs. Novacek, Mrs. Ann Thompson, Mrs. Knutson, and everyone else who helped make the spelling bee happen!