Fourth-grader wins Independent Elementary Spelling Bee

Darlington fourth-grader Andy Brunt took first place at the 4th Annual Independent Elementary School Spelling Bee today by correctly spelling the word "apocalyptic." The bee was hosted by St. Mary’s Catholic School.

"It was unbelievable to win. It was sort of like being in a dream," said Brunt, the son of Linda and Neal Brunt of Cartersville. "I was really, really nervous at first and at the end when I felt like I might win. I am very proud and happy that someone from Darlington won."

To prepare for the competition, Brunt spent a lot of time studying the seventh and eighth grade word lists from the Scripps National Spelling Bee site. 

“I felt like if I knew the harder words, I would be OK with the other words," he said.

Fifty-seven students in grades 3-5 participated in the competition, representing Excel Christian School (Cartersville), Unity Christian School, Berry Elementary, St. Mary’s and Darlington.

Parker Helms of Excel Christian won second place and Darlington fourth-grader Bailey Kozlowski took third.

"We are so proud of Andy and Bailey, who represented our fourth great very well at the spelling bee," said fourth-grade teacher Rebekah Kinney. "They studied diligently all year. Both of these students are avid readers and perform well in all academic areas. Their passion for reading has definitely attributed to their success as spellers."