By Laura Green

“Hmmm – was that an “ie” or “ei” word and I only have 30 seconds to decide” was on the minds of seventeen contestants at the second annual spelling bee sponsored by the “Heroes of Zorra” committee. The event was held Sunday afternoon November 13th at the Royal Canadian Legion in Embro. All the contestants were elementary school students living in Zorra Township.

All the words used in the contest were taken from the “Heroes of Zorra” website. “This (words from the website) encourages the students to read and learn about our local men and women who volunteered their service to their country” commented Chairperson Shirley McCall – Hanlon.

Scott Naisbitt was Bee Master, Margaret Lupton and Roy Youngs - Judges, Time Keeper John Milner, Score Keeper Pauline Hanlon and Sound Man John Hiuser.

Winner from Division 1 – Grades 5 and under was Grade 5 student Mackenzie Stears and runner up was Grade 5 student Ava Wilks.

Remaining contestants were Nathan Bean, Luke Bloomfield, Tyler Bloomfield, Jack Oliver Innes, Cortney Linton, Matthew Mauthe, Katie Namink, Andrew Power, and Jack Woods.

Winner from Division 2 – Grades 6, 7, & 8 was Grade 6 student Arthur Douglas and runner up was Grade 7 student Roserita (Rosie) Verwer. Other contestants were Haley Betzner, Alton Douglas, Katie Schurman and Shannon Woods.

Winners from both divisions received Prize money of $100 and runner-up winners received $75.00. Every contestant received a “Heroes of Zorra” Medal and the experience of testing their knowledge and speaking on stage in front of a room of people.