The Spelling Bee

The Spelling Bee

" Looks like we're down to our final two spellers! " Mr. Russo exclaimed. Jasmine beamed. She was sure she was going to win the class spelling bee. " Good luck, " Finn, the other speller, said and offered Jasmine a handshake. " Luck has nothing to do with it, " she said smugly. Blushing, Finn lowered his hand. " All right, " Mr. Russo said. “ Finn, your next word is apology. " Finn took a deep breath. " Apology, " he repeated nervously. “ A-P-O-L-A-G-Y. Apology. "

Mr. Russo frowned sympathetically and said, “ I'm afraid that's incorrect. Jasmine, let's see if you can spell this word for the win. " " Apology. A-P-O-L-O, " she said, stressing the letter Finn missed, “ G-Y. Apology. ' " You got it! " Mr. Russo cheered. Then, he asked Jasmine to spell one final word-arrogant. After she spelled it correctly, Mr. Russo announced, “ Class, let's have a hand for our new spelling champ! "

The class erupted in applause. Mr. Russo said, “ Jasmine, you'll represent our class at the school-wide spelling bee tomorrow. Do you think you're up to it?" " Oh, yes, Mr. Russo, " she replied.

During lunch, everyone was talking about the spelling bee. Jasmine walked by the table where Finn sat with his friends. " I can't believe you're going to go onstage in front of the entire school, " Lilly gushed. “ That's a big deal! " " How hard is it to spell a few words?" Jasmine asked. " Easy for you to say, " Finn said. " You beat all of us. " " Well, you all only had to spell baby words, " Jasmine announced. Before they could say anything, she said, " See you guys L-A-T-E-R. "

The next day, Jasmine waited with the spelling bee winners from the other classes. She had not thought about the older students she would have to spell against in the school-wide spelling bee. She found a spot next to a fourth grader she knew from her block.