Murfreesboro, Tenn. — The 18th Annual Read To Succeed Read To Bee Spelling Bee sponsored by Redstone Federal Credit Union was Friday evening, April 22nd, at Murfreesboro City Hall in the City Council Chambers.

Eighteen sixth-graders from Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County Schools gathered to compete for the 2022 Read To Bee Champion title. The students were in the Council Chambers while their families watched live in the rotunda. After an intense nine rounds, Jason Lin from Central Magnet Middle School won, spelling "ignorant." Aleks Georgiev from Overall Creek Elementary was the runner-up after correctly spelling the word "monuments."

"What a wonderful night to highlight students who work hard, and what a great way to promote literacy!" Jolene Radnoti, Executive Director of Read To Succeed, said. Some of the more difficult words from the spelling bee were "endeavor, tribulations, and formaldehyde." 

Michael Linn White, Multimedia Journalist for CityTV, served as the event's pronouncer. The lead judge was Paige Hendrickson from Motlow State Community College. Also judging were Francela Salas, Redstone Federal Credit Union, and Meredith Thomas, Realtor at Parks Realty.

Jason Lin received a $125 cash prize from Redstone Federal Credit Union and a trophy for winning the Read To Bee Spelling Bee. Aleks Georgiev received a $75 cash prize and a trophy for being the runnerup. In addition, each participant got a Certificate of Participation and a gift bag. 

Read To Succeed would like to thank the 2022 participants, their families, and teachers for being part of this event.

Learn more about Read To Succeed HERE.