Dear Editor,

On behalf of our corporate sponsor M&I Bank, congratulations to Daxton Bryce, a seventh grader at Granite Mountain Middle School, as the Champion of the 66th Annual Yavapai County Spelling Bee. We would also like to recognize the accomplishments of James Hanson (5th grade) of Del Rio Elementary School as the runner up, Korin Farnsworth (8th grade) of American Heritage Academy who finished 3rd and William Moreland (6th grade) from Granville Elementary School in 4th place. 50 students from throughout Yavapai County participated in the bee representing district and charter schools, private schools, and home school groups.

Good luck and best wishes to Daxton as he represents Yavapai County in the State Spelling Bee in the studios of KAET-TV on the campus of Arizona State University on March 24th.

Special recognition goes to Prescott Unified School District for hosting the event. Superintendent David Smucker, Prescott High School Principal Totsy McCraley and their staff were wonderful to work with. JoLynne Richter, our Pronouncer, has now voluntarily provided expertise to our bee for 28 years. A special thanks to the Bee Coordinator, Mrs. Robin Bascom of the Yavapai County Education Service Agency, for all of her hard work and organizational talents.

M&I Bank, with offices in Prescott, Prescott Valley and Sedona provide a significant financial contribution to support the Spelling Bee. Their financial support of our students and the communities they serve is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Tim Carter
Yavapai County School Superintendent