Marcie Rudzinski of the Virtual Academy after spelling the final word “primordial” winning the Randolph County Schools Spelling Bee at Randleman Elementary school in Randleman on February 15th, 2022. PJ WARD-BROWN/NORTH STATE JOURNAL
RANDLEMAN — Maycie Rudzinski of The Virtual Academy at Randolph was the winner of Randolph County School System’s District Spelling Bell on Tuesday at Randleman Middle School.
Rudzinski, a seventh-grader, emerged from a field of 25 entrants.
She spelled “primordial” – meaning existing at or from the beginning of time — correctly to clinch the victory.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” Rudzinski said of winning and the opportunity to advance to a regional round.
One student participated from each elementary and middle school in the district, according to information from Larry Chappell, director of instructional support services for the Randolph County School System. Chappell is the spelling bee’s facilitator.
Justine Carter, principal of The Virtual Academy, said: “We are so proud of Maycie. She is a very bright young lady.”
Carter said Rudzinski is an aspiring writer. Her teachers have described her as a student “always knows background information on the subject, and is always willing to share that information with her teachers and her peers.”
The Virtual Academy at Randolph was added within the RCSS for this school year to provide an option for students in grades K-8. Rudzinski previously attended Randleman Middle School.
“This type of learning environment has been very beneficial to students like Maycie, who are critical thinkers and independent and driver learners who rigorously question and analyze their education,” according to information Carter gathered from teachers at the academy.
The runners-up were Gavin Black of Trinity Elementary School, Kylie Staples of Southmont Elementary School, Leona Johnston-Oliveau of Liberty Elementary School and Ben Barr of Hopewell Elementary School.
This was a preliminary competition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Rudzinski advances to the Carolina Panthers Regional Spelling Bee, which is presented by Bank of America, to be held March 13 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
