An eighth grade student at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School took home the title of state spelling bee champion over the weekend, and he’ll compete at the national bee this summer.
Eli Cokelet was previously crowned the Douglas County spelling bee champion. He represented Douglas County as he competed at the Sunflower State Spelling Bee at Newman University on March 26, according to a news release from the Kansas Press Association.
After outlasting 86 other contestants from across the state through 17 rounds, Cokelet correctly spelled “provender,” meaning dry food for domesticated animals.
He will advance to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee semifinals on June 1, and June 2, if he makes it to the final rounds. The national spelling bee — hosted by actor, director, educator and children’s literacy advocate LeVar Burton — will be held near Washington, D.C. and broadcasted nationally on ION and Bounce.
To prepare for the state competition, spellers studied the Scripps National Spelling Bee “Words of the Champions” — a modest list of 4,000.
The state bee is sponsored by the Kansas Press Association, and has been for five years.
“The competition encourages students to set goals and dedicate time to study and prepare,” according to the press release. “Participation also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in public speaking and performing under pressure.”
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More coverage of Lawrence Public Schools:
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
