Hurlbut Theater was filled with buzzing excitement as St. Margaret’s Middle School students showcased their spectacular spelling talents this week during the annual Middle School Spelling Bee.

The initial participation of 12 students made its way down to just two over the course of 18 rounds. Grade 7 student John Ding with the word "delectation" was crowned champion, and the runner-up was Adelyn Haskins also in grade 7. They survived such words as diphtheria, corbels, and ​Kilimanjaro. Both will proceed to the Orange County Written Round on February 23.

In addition to John and Adeyln, the Spelling Bee featured grade 6 students Kevin Chen, Zoe Shen, Jayden Tan, and Edison Wang; grade 7 students Kylie Kuang and Josh Lee; and grade 8 students Vivian Chen, Elizabeth Hwang, Bruno Sampaio Rossler, and Dereck Wang. 

Congratulations to all the talented Tartan spellers!