Wednesday, February 14, 2001
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Wednesday, February 14, 2001 |
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Double bee winner: NorthFayette student wins in spelling, geography North Fayette student wins bees Not only is A.J. Ellis a great speller, but he is also knowledgeable about worldwide historical facts. Ellis, a fifth grader, showcased his talents in both areas when he became the winner of North Fayette Elementary School's spelling and geography bees. No one at the school can ever remember the same student winning both bees, according to Principal Louis Robinson. "We are very proud of this young man. He works very hard and is deserving of this honor," says Robinson. Ellis competed in the spelling bee first. He won the bee by correctly spelling "eggnog." Ellis says he prepared for the contest by practicing with a weekly list of spelling words his teacher gave out in class. However, when none of the words he studied were asked to him in the bee, he had a backup plan. "When I get asked a word I don't know, I use phonics to figure it out," says Ellis. While Ellis had a plan of action to prepare for the spelling bee, he says he had no preparation for the Geographic Society Geography Bee. This year, all Fayette elementary and middle school students took tests in the classrooms to determine which students would be represented in the school bee. According to Ellis, he did not begin studying for the test until the day before it was to take place. Even after being chosen to participate in North Fayette's bee, Ellis says he did nothing to prepare for the school's competition. His winning question for this bee was: "Where is Big Ben located?" "I was shocked that I won this one," says Ellis. "I read a lot so I guess that is how I knew the answers." Although Ellis was shocked about winning the geography bee, his parents, Elaine and Author, say they were not surprised. "A.J. studies a lot and works hard in school. We're excited and very proud of him and his accomplishments," says Elaine Ellis. Ellis says his favorite subjects are reading and math. When he is not busy studying or doing homework, he enjoys playing video games and basketball. Currently, his career ambition is to become a professional basketball player. Ellis will compete in the county spelling bee Feb. 8. There is not a county bee for geography. Winners at the school level take a written test to qualify for the state geography bee, which will be in April. The top 100 students throughout the state are selected to participate in the bee.
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