Fourth-grader Janeenah Morales, a student at Perry L. Drew Elementary School, spelled “cabbage” correctly to win the annual East Windsor School District Annual Spelling Bee.
The spelling bee held on Jan. 28 was organized by The Greater Hightstown Juniorettes, a local community service group of young ladies ages 12-18, led by advisors Cori Kenny, Yvette Muniz and Beth Wersching.
The bee, which has been held for over 20 years, is sponsored by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC).
Seven fifth graders and 20 fourth graders participated in the bee held at the Rogers School auditorium.
The spelling bee went through 18 rounds. Morales came out on top followed by fourth grader Aayush Penugonda of Perry L. Drew Elementary School and fifth-grader Anirudh Srikanth of the Grace N. Rogers Elementary School.
Tanmaya Dilip, a fourth grader at Drew, came in fourth place.
The top three winners were awarded prize money – first place – $35, second place – $25, and third place – $15.
Dairy Queen East Windsor provided free ice cream cones and Popeyes East Windsor provided free chicken sandwiches for all students who participated.
Participants included 15 students from Drew, nine students from Rogers, and three students from Roosevelt.
The top three winners move on to the Regional Spelling Bee to be held on Feb. 23 in Haddonfield, and those winners move on to the state spelling bee. The state bee is held at the NJSFWC headquarters in New Brunswick.
East Windsor spelling bee winners (from l-r) Aayush Penugonda, Janeenah Morales, and Anirudh Srikanth.
School advisors with East Windsor spelling bee winners (from l-r) Aayush Penugonda, Janeenah Morales, and Anirudh Srikanth.
