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.” Sixteen 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. Learn more about Scripps.