BOONE — Audrey Bovenzi, an eighth-grade student from Blowing Rock School, secured victory in the Watauga County Schools district-wide spelling bee on October 16, 2026. The competition, held at the Margaret Gragg Education Center in Boone, concluded after 11 rounds when Bovenzi correctly spelled the word “solidarity.”
With her win at the county level, Bovenzi earned eligibility to represent the district in the Carolina Panthers Bee, scheduled to take place in Charlotte in the spring. The annual event brings together top spellers from across the Watauga County school system.
Contestants for this year’s bee included students who had won competitions among fourth through eighth-grade students at their respective schools. The spellers were Ryan Ward (Bethel), Audrey Bovenzi (Blowing Rock), Mylan Waters (Cove Creek), Zoey Gray (Green Valley), Mackenzie Norris (Hardin Park), Grace Ward (Mabel), Henry Hicks (Parkway), and Daniel Love (Valle Crucis).
Dr. Katie Barbee, Director of K-8 Curriculum, highlighted the significance of the event, stating that it serves as a wonderful opportunity to celebrate student hard work, dedication, and love of learning. She emphasized the courage it takes for students to compete in front of an audience, noting the district’s pride in each participant and the event’s role in "building confidence, demonstrating perseverance, and celebrating student achievement."
The logistics and planning for the WCS Spelling Bee were coordinated by Dr. Barbee and Kim Hall of the Central Office team. School-level coordinators were responsible for overseeing the spelling bee competitions at each school, including Anne Sukow (Bethel School), Melody Cook-Bridges (Blowing Rock School), Laurie Warren (Cove Creek School), Amanda Quilliams (Green Valley School), Emily Rothrock (Hardin Park School), Sunnee Freed (Mabel School), Alisha Broce (Parkway School), and Erin Thompson (Valle Crucis School).
WCS Assistant Superintendent/Director of Human Resources Dr. Chris Blanton welcomed all attendees to the bee, expressing shared pride from himself and Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander for all the contestants. Blanton also provided comic relief by sharing a few dad jokes, including one asking why a student ate his spelling homework. He then provided the answer: “Because his teacher told him it was a piece of cake.”
The 2026 district spelling bee was sponsored by SkyLine/SkyBest. Haleigh Seamon, Public Relations Administrator for the sponsor, was present at the event and conveyed her enjoyment in observing the students and supporting the competition. Several local businesses and attractions contributed by donating prizes for each contestant and the bee champion. These donors included Come Back Shack, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice of East Boone, OP Smiles, Publix, Stick Boy Bread Co., and Tweetsie Railroad.
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Brian Bettis introduced the spellers, their school principals, and their respective school spelling bee coordinators, also reviewing the rules for all in attendance. Dr. Tierra Stark, WCS Director of Accountability, Federal Programs, Career and Technical Education and School Safety, served as the Pronouncer for the event. The panel of judges consisted of Early Literacy Specialist Misty Hyler, Blended Learning Coordinator Sarah Cardwell, and Dr. Bettis.
