Alta Loma Christian School eighth grader, Leilani (pictured right), won first place in the spell-off at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) District Spelling Bee last Friday at Calvary Christian School in Santa Ana, qualifying her to move
on to the ACSI Divisional Spelling Bee and a chance to earn her way to the national spelling championship in Washington, DC. “It was nerve-wracking,” Leilani said, reflecting on the spell-off. But she added that afterit was over, “It felt nice.” The ACSI Divisional Spelling Bee is scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 25, at Bethany Christian Academy in Westminster. Leilani made it to the spell-off last Friday by finishing in third place during the eighth grade preliminary bee earlier in the afternoon.
According to ACSI’s final published results, several other Eagle spellers also placed (i.e., a top five finish) in their grade-level preliminary bees, including Alexa (third place) and Ava (fifth Place) in second grade, and Maddix (fourth place) in sixth grade. After the preliminary qualifying bees, all of the placing students in grades 5 8 moved on to the final spell-off, which was won by Leilani.
“We are exceptionally excited for Leilani and her first place finish at the spelling bee,” smiled ALCS head of school, Dr. Vance Nichols. “We are grateful for all of our Eagle spellers, and pray for Leilani to have great success
as she moves on the ACSI Divisional Spelling Bee.” The top five finishers in the spell-off qualified to move on to the ACSI Divisional Spelling Bee, with a chance to earn their way to the ACSI National Spelling Bee finals in Washington, DC, in the spring.
Four years ago, ALCS alumna, Sai (now a high school senior preparing to go to medical school), won the ACSI Divisional Spelling Bee and went on to represent ALCS by competing and placing at the national spelling bee finals in the nation’s capital, accompanied by her family. “We are so proud of our kids who continue to excel in competitive events like the spelling bee,” explained Dr. Nichols. “It is a credit to the students, the teachers, the families, and the school to have them perform at such a high level on so many public stages. God is certainly blessing our kids.”
“We are exceptionally excited for Leilani and her first place finish at the spelling bee,” smiled ALCS head of school, Dr. Vance Nichols. “We are grateful for all of our Eagle spellers, and pray for Leilani to have great success
as she moves on the ACSI Divisional Spelling Bee.” The top five finishers in the spell-off qualified to move on to the ACSI Divisional Spelling Bee, with a chance to earn their way to the ACSI National Spelling Bee finals in Washington, DC, in the spring. Four years ago, ALCS alumna, Sai (now a high school senior preparing to go to medical school), won the ACSI Divisional Spelling Bee and went on to represent ALCS by competing and placing at the national spelling bee finals in the nation’s capital, accompanied by her family. “We are so proud of our kids who continue to excel in competitive events like the spelling bee,” explained Dr. Nichols. “It is a credit to the students, the teachers, the families, and the school to have them perform at such a high level on so many public stages. God is certainly blessing our kids.”
Congratulations to Leilani and all of our dedicated spellers for representing ALCS with distinction and honor at the ACSI District Spelling Bee. Great job, Eagles!