Pictured are Josslyn Allman, alternate; Hunter Jones, Runner-up; and Melody Shuler, Champion.

Putnam County Schools kicked off the 2023 academic event season with the county spelling bee at Buffalo High School on Thursday, January 12th. This year’s bee was a return to the traditional norm in that participants met face to face. Putnam’s spelling bees have been conducted virtually since the beginning of the pandemic.

Melody Shuler of Mountain View Elementary in Teays Valley correctly spelled “ramifications” in the 14th round to become the Putnam County 2023 Spelling Bee Champion. Melody bested 21 other elementary and middle school spelling bee champions from Putnam’s public and private schools. Melody and second place speller Hunter Jones of West Teays Elementary will represent Putnam County at the Gazette-Mail Regional Spelling Bee. Josslyn Allman of George Washington Middle was the third place speller and will step in for Melody or Hunter if unable to participate in the Regional Bee. The Regional Bee will be March 3rd and will be conducted using the Scripps Online Platform. Regional Bee winners advance to National competition in Washington, D.C.

Others participating in this year’s county bee were Cole Harvey of Buffalo Elementary, Kyle Johnson and Anna Caldwell of Calvary Baptist Academy, Addison Wagner of Confidence Elementary, Lilliana Kise of Conner Street Elementary, Holden Baker of Eastbrook Elementary, Serenity Christy of George Washington Elementary, Sophia Martin of Hometown Elementary, Brandon Eckhart of Hurricane Middle, Heath Lucas of Hurricane Town Elementary, Brenleigh Copley of Lakeside Elementary, Jaxson Owens of Poca Elementary, Zackary Miller of Poca Middle, Suzy Young of Rock Branch Elementary, Grayson Hammond of Scott Teays Elementary, Ava Young and Julianna Alley of Teays Valley Christian, Vivian Riggott of Winfield Elementary, and Hudson Dobbins of Winfield Middle.