`Multiplication.”
A hush fell over an audience filled with friends, neighbors, parents and grandparents as Terance Helsel of Crete took a deep breath and began spelling the final word that clinched the championship in the annual Crete Area Historical Spelling Bee.
He breathed a sigh of relief as he looked over at the judges, Audrey DeMuth and Mariann Engle, both of Crete, for confirmation of his spelling.
Crete Village Trustee Robert Gaines, dressed to portray a 1700s schoolmaster. He congratulated the 35 4th-grade students from St. Liborius School in Steger and Crete Elementary and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Schools in Crete.
“Everyone should be very proud of themselves,” he said. “Remember, there’s always another time and another try.”
Second-place winner Kaitlin Jones from St. Liborius gave Terance a handshake and said, “This was my first time in a spelling bee, . . . and it was fun. Multiplication (the word she lost on) is a hard word.”
Supporting her students, Mary Jo Vladika, principal of Crete Elementary, said she was pleased with the event, which was sponsored by the Crete Area Historical Society.
“It’s really optional for the children,” she said. “They know it’s a community event, and they wanted to participate. It’s a great experience for children.”
Watching her students, Ellen Olsen from St. Liborius was seen biting her nails as two of the last three students were the finalists.
“I think this was a wonderful event. It’s an activity the children attend outside of school, and they did a wonderful job representing their school and themselves. I’m very proud of all of them.”
Although Nicole DiNuzzo from St. Liborius came in third, she said she was happy to get a ribbon.
As the children munched on cookies and punch after the event, Maureen Marthaler of Crete said she thought this was a great way to get all of the schools in the community involved in academic performances.
Terance, displaying his trophy, said he wasn’t a bit nervous and enjoyed the competition.
