RADFORD – One of Radford’s own took second place at the recent Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, held at Radford University.
“Congrats to Juliette Dishon who represented Belle Heth at the Regional Spelling Bee placing second overall,” Belle Heth Elementary School posted on social media. “Way to go Juliette!”
Dishon was narrowly edged out by Audrey Lee, a seventh grader at Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem, who will go up against the nation’s top spellers in May’s Scripps National Spelling Bee.
This was the first time Radford University hosted a Scripps spelling bee, and university officials say they were happy to host.
“We were thrilled to be part of this,” said Debora Bays Wilbon, associate dean of Radford’s College of Education and Human Development. “As an institution that has a foundation as a teacher preparation institution, we are committed to the success of Pre-K-12 students and schools.”
After accepting an offer from Scripps in November to become a regional partner, Wilbon and representatives from across the university, ranging from admissions to career and talent development to three different colleges, began to shape a memorable event for the participating students and their families.
When bee day arrived, the university rolled out the proverbial Tartan carpet at the Bonnie Hurlburt Student Center.
The 24 participants, who represented public school districts and private schools across Southwest Virginia, arrived to find a special “green room” in the Bonnie Hurlburt Student Center fully stocked with snacks, board games, a cornhole set, putting green and a pair of four-legged companions. Ruby and Apollo, two Tartan Tails therapy dogs, were with the spellers before and after the competition to help bring calm and a confidence boost.
Post-competition, the spellers and their families were able to enjoy Radford University’s open doors, including the Esports Center in Cook Hall, the planetarium in the Center for the Sciences, and social time and snacks in McConnell Library.
“We are impressed by how hard you worked to get here,” President Bret Danilowicz told the spellers prior to the competition. “You are an inspiration to all of us!”
David Horton, the mayor of Radford and communications officer for the Artis College of Science and Technology, was one of many university-based bee officials. Matthew Smith, Dean of the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, served as pronouncer. Judges were Tamara Wallace, Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Brian Kitts, program coordinator for educational leadership and Lisa Aker, literacy education assistant professor. Instructional librarian Barbara Tait was the bee recorder.
“This was a truly collaborative venture across the university,” Wilbon said.
The day was designed for the visiting students and their families to take home positive memories in addition to their Radford University-branded goodie bags.
“By opening our campus doors, it’s our hope that you’ll have a great experience and be able to see yourselves as part of a university community like ours someday,” Danilowicz said.
Radford University and staff report
