Branson Sixth Grader Earns Spot At National Spelling Bee

Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 12:00 AM

BRANSON, MO (April 2, 2024) – Cedar Ridge Intermediate sixth grader, Kunal Patel, has earned his place on the national stage after winning the 2024 Association for Children’s Educational Sponsorship (A.C.E.S.) Regional Missouri Spelling Bee on March 25.

Patel participated in the competition in Rolla, Missouri, and won by correctly spelling the word “parkour.” 16 first through eighth grade students competed in this year’s A.C.E.S. Regional Spelling Bee. This was the first spelling bee for Patel.

“There were a lot of words to memorize, and it was fun to prepare leading up to the competition,” says Patel. “I am happy I won, but also surprised. I am proud to represent Cedar Ridge Intermediate at the national competition.”

Below is a list of Branson students that participated in the A.C.E.S. Regional Spelling Bee:

● Kunal Patel: First place, Cedar Ridge Intermediate (6th grade)
● Blake Bliss: Tied fourth place, Cedar Ridge Elementary (3rd grade)
● Shiloh Duston: Tied sixth place, Cedar Ridge Intermediate (6th grade)
● Jada Kelley: Tied ninth place, Cedar Ridge Intermediate (5th grade)
● Gabriel Orellana Medrano: Tied 14th place, Cedar Ridge Elementary (2nd grade)
● Landon Strahan: Tied 14th place, Cedar Ridge Elementary (2nd grade)

The Scripps National Spelling Bee will be held in Washington D.C. from May 26 - 31.

-###-

The above press release is from Branson Public Schools.

More from Local News

Silver Dollar City Announces Half a Billion Dollar Development Plan

OZARK MOUNTAINS, Mo. (October 17, 2024) — Silver Dollar City, America’s #1 Theme Park, today announced plans to invest half a billion dollars over the next decade on the construction of new family adventures, including the development of 1,200 acres adjacent to the Ozark Mountain theme park. The strategic plan represents the largest investment in the company’s 65-year history and begins with the debut of the Silver Dollar City Resort, the first theme park resort in America’s Heartland.
Harrison Fire Department Promotes Fire Prevention and Education

Fire Prevention Week just happened; it's a key part of fire safety and education promoted by the Harrison Fire Department.
October’s full moon is biggest and brightest of the year

The Hunter’s Moon is hanging heavy in the October sky. If the full moon is looking extra-large, it’s because it is supersized this month.
Frost Departs, Fire Concerns Remain

As parts of the Lakes Region are seeing temperatures at or below freezing again this morning, temperatures are expected to rebound today and stay above freezing for overnight temperatures over the next several days.