The 15th annual Read To Succeed "Read To Bee Spelling Bee" sponsored by Jennings and Rebecca Jones Foundation and Red Stone Federal Credit Union was held Friday evening, April 6 at Patterson Park.

Read To Succeed Executive Director Jolene Radnoti kicked off the event by welcoming everyone and expressing the importance of literacy. She said that some of the benefits spelling bees are learning grammar and enhancing vocabulary.

Sixteen 6th graders from Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County Schools as well as Middle Tennessee Christian School gathered to compete for the title of 2018 Read To Bee Champion.

After more than 26 rounds, Lexus Cipollone from Mitchell-Neilson Elementary spelled the winning word, rebellion. Vincent Kennivong from Black Fox Elementary school was the runner-up.

Some of the more difficult words during this Bee were "boisterously" and "subterranean."

"It is an honor to watch these determined 6th graders take the stage with such courage," Lead Judge Janie Becker said. "While it is surely a scary and challenging moment for many of them, they do an impressive job of maintaining composure. It is an achievement for all of the kids who participate in the Bee--each one of them has much to be proud of."

Suzy Willis, who retired from Murfreesboro City Schools, and Paige Hendrickson from Motlow State Community College also judged. Rev. Martha Touchton with St. Mark’s United Methodist Church was the pronouncer again this year and did a fantastic job.

Winner Lexus Cipollone was awarded the 2018 Read To Bee trophy along with a $125 cash prize from Red Stone Federal Credit Union. Runner-up Vincent Kennivong received a $75 cash prize also from Red Stone Federal Credit Union.

Read To Succeed congratulates all the 2018 contestants, their parents, and teachers for a wonderful 2018 Read To Bee and wishes all of these students successful futures.

For more information on this event and other literacy events in Rutherford County, please visit www.readtosucceed.org, call 615-738-READ (7323), or follow Read To Succeed on Facebook and Twitter.