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Colorado students make their mark at Scripps National Spelling Bee

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Image for Colorado students make their mark at Scripps National Spelling Bee

Cameron Keith, image courtesy of Denver Post

Sylvie Lamontagne and Cameron Keith spelled their way to the top of the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee May 26. Thirteen-year old Sylvie and 10-year old Cameron were a part of 285 contestants who made it to the national stage. After a first-round test May 24, the Colorado spellers were among 45 contestants who made it to the final rounds on May 26.

Despite being one of the youngest contestants, Cameron proved he can perform on the big stage. He advanced to the final day of 45 spellers after correctly spelling “parquetry” and “cameist” in the third and fourth rounds on May 25-26. Then, on May 26 he correctly spelled “solenoglyphous” before misspelling “noncompos,” where he misplaced an “a” for an “o” to make him just short of joining the final rounds May 26.

Sylvie, who finished ninth in 2015, correctly spelled “comitatus,” “shubunkin,” and “ptyalism” to make it to the 15th round where she remained with only three other contestants. Sylvie’s run, though, was undone by the word “chaoborine.” She finished in fourth place behind co-winners Nihar Janga of Texas and Jairam Hathwar of New York.

Sylvie and Cameron made all of Colorado proud with their amazing accomplishments at the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The State Board of Education will recognize Sylvie’s and Cameron’s accomplishments during a monthly board meeting this fall.

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