Student to Represent WCS at National Spelling Bee

Published March 14, 2016

Woodland Middle School student Abigail Burton will travel to Washington D.C. this spring to represent Williamson County Schools at the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Abigail was among the approximately 40 students from Middle Tennessee who competed March 12 at the Tennessee Titans Regional Spelling Bee.

The seventh grader won the prestigious event after she correctly spelled the word “perquisite” which is defined as a privilege, gain or profit incidental to regular salary or wages.

Abigail says her interest in spelling began several years ago at the urging of her parents.

“I have been interested in spelling since the fourth grade when my mom and dad encouraged me to try the spelling bee,” said Abigail. “Spelling had always come easily for me so I thought it might be something I’d be good at.”

Abigail wasn’t the only WCS student to do well at Saturday’s competition. Edmondson Elementary School fifth grader Gitanjali Rao finished third in the contest.

As sponsors of the regional spelling bee, the Tennessee Titans will pay the nearly $8,000 needed to fund travel, lodging and dining for Abigail and a parent at the National Spelling Bee, which will take place May 25 and 26 in Washington, D.C.

“I am extremely excited and honored to represent Middle Tennessee,” said Abigail. “I hope to do well in the National Bee.”