Last Updated on October 18, 2026 5:54 pm
BOONE — After 11 rounds of spelling various words, Blowing Rock School Eighth Grader Audrey Bovenzi correctly spelled the word “solidarity” to secure victory in the Watauga County Schools district-wide spelling bee held on Oct. 16 at the Margaret Gragg Education Center in Boone.
This year’s contestants were: Ryan Ward (Bethel), Audrey Bovenzi (Blowing Rock), Mylan Waters (Cove Creek), Zoey Gray (Green Valley), Mackenzie Norris (Hardin Park), Grace Ward (Mabel), Henry Hicks (Parkway) and Daniel Love (Valle Crucis).
A single speller from each school secured a spot in the district-wide spelling bee final by winning a competition among fourth through eighth-grade students at their school.
“The Watauga County Schools District Spelling Bee is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students’ hard work, dedication, and love of learning,” said Dr. Katie Barbee, Director of K-8 Curriculum. “It takes courage to stand in front of an audience and compete, and we are incredibly proud of each student who has earned the opportunity to represent their school. This event is not only about spelling but also about building confidence, demonstrating perseverance, and celebrating student achievement.”
Barbee, along with Kim Hall of the Central Office team coordinated the logistics and planning for the WCS Spelling Bee, and school-level coordinators oversaw the spelling bee competitions at each school.
School coordinators were Anne Sukow (Bethel School), Melody Cook-Bridges (Blowing Rock School), Laurie Warren (Cove Creek School), Amanda Quilliams (Green Valley School), Emily Rothrock (Hardin Park School), Sunnee Freed (Mabel School), Alisha Broce (Parkway School) and Erin Thompson (Valle Crucis School).
WCS Assistant Superintendent/Director of Human Resources Dr. Chris Blanton welcomed all in attendance, shared both his and Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander’s pride in all of the contestants and cracked a few dad jokes that provided a bit of comic relief.
“Why did the student eat his spelling homework,” Blanton asked the audience. After an inquisitive “Why?” from an audience member, he shared the answer.
“Because his teacher told him it was a piece of cake,” Blanton shared.
The 2026 district spelling bee was sponsored by SkyLine/SkyBest. Public Relations Administrator Haleigh Seamon was present and expressed how much she enjoys being able to watch the students and help support the competition.
Several local businesses and attractions donated prizes for each contestant and the bee champion including: Come Back Shack, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice of East Boone, OP Smiles, Publix, Stick Boy Bread Co. and Tweetsie Railroad.
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Brian Bettis gave introductions of the spellers, their school principal and their school spelling bee coordinator. He also went over the rules for all in attendance. Dr. Tierra Stark, WCS Director of Accountability, Federal Programs, Career and Technical Education and School Safety served as the Pronouncer, while Early Literacy Specialist Misty Hyler, Blended Learning Coordinator Sarah Cardwell and Dr. Bettis served as the panel of judges.
With her victory at the county level, Bovenzi will be eligible to represent the district in the Carolina Panthers Bee in Charlotte in the spring.
