After several years without a broad district spelling bee, Community Schools held a competition for students in grades 3-5 Friday at Poughkeepsie Middle School.

In all, 36 students competed, nearly twice as many as was expected when the event was initially planned. Moderated by Morse Elementary Teacher Assistant Carol Melton, a champion was crowned for each grade level before the winners took part in a final round.

In the end, Krieger fourth grade student Nyah Fitz-Henley won the bee and the accompanying trophy, while other students earned medals.

The event, which was well attended by families, friends and school principals, encourages literacy and parental engagement, Community Schools Executive Director Natasha Brown said, noting the goal was for “parents to be the ones helping their children practice and learn the words.” And, it isn’t ending with one event.

“Ms. Melton is working with us and Friday Night Lights to create a spelling club,” Jessica Ortiz, interim Community Schools administrator, said. “Hopefully from there we can have more spelling bees.” The ultimate goal, she said, is to take part in the Scripps National Spelling Bee qualification process.

Results:

Third grade: First Lucas Gutierrez, Krieger; Second Kendriel Gonzalez, Clinton; Third Christopher Green, Warring.

Fourth: First Nyah Fitz-Henley, Krieger; Second Marilyn Florencio, Clinton; Third Alani Oliver, Clinton.

Fifth: First Tafarel Baxter, Morse; Second Shengyun Wei, Morse; Third Ariella Alvarez, Krieger.