The Mansfield ISD Spelling Bee, sponsored by Mansfield Sunrise Rotary Club, is an annual tradition that mixes fundamental learning and friendly competition.

Best spellers from Mansfield ISD’s elementary, intermediate and middle schools competed in the district spelling bee on Jan. 22.

This year’s competition was a little more unique with heightened safety and health protocols, but the essence of spelling a broad spectrum of words correctly remained the same.

With the winning word of “encore,” Dejanira Castillo from Asa Low Intermediate School took home the top prize. She beat 37 other students to be the district’s spelling bee champion. She said her technique was to trust her gut.

“I was trying to find it in my brain,” the fifth-grader explained. “I just kind of closed my eyes, and I thought, ‘It feels like I’ve seen this word before.’

The 10-year-old couldn’t help but to jump up and down when she realized she successfully spelled the word.

“I felt amazing, and I immediately closed my eyes and thanked God.” Castillo said.

Castillo is enrolled in MISD’s Virtual Learning Academy, the district’s online school. Virtual Learning Academy winners from the elementary, intermediate and middle school level were a new addition this year.

“I thought the icing on the cake is that our winner was one of our Virtual Academy students,” said Sarah McMurrough, English language arts instructional coach. “To me, it just proves that our virtual learners are still learning, and they’re still involved in school.”

Organizers said pulling this contest off took teamwork from campuses, staff members, students and the community, but it was done safely and without a hitch.

Castillo will advance to the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee. The winner will represent the region in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

MISD Spelling Bee Contestants