Grade 3 student from northern Ont. thrives at national spelling bee

Emily Anstice at top 3 finisher at the primary level of the Canada Spelling Bee, talks with Tony Ryma about her experience on the national stage.

A Grade 3 student from Manitoulin Island placed third in a national spelling bee held last month.

Emily Anstice, a student at Assiginack Public School, captured third place in the Primary category at the Spelling Bee of Canada National Championships held in Toronto on May 25.

Emily went more than 20 rounds spelling words like ‘microgram,’ ‘viceregal,’ ‘construe,’ ‘vying’ and ‘tithe,’ said a news release Wednesday from the Rainbow District School Board.

“While she says ‘viceregal’ was tricky and ‘construe’ was challenging, the word that stumped her in the end was ‘cinematic,” the release said.

“Emily won the honour to compete nationally by winning the Regional Spelling Bee Competition in Sudbury.”

Mini-spelling bees

She said she prepared by reading lists that were provided and playing mini-spelling bees with her family.

“Teachers also helped to quiz me,” Emily said in the news release.

“I read a lot too. Currently, I am finishing up the Harry Potter series.”

“We are incredibly proud of Emily’s remarkable achievement,” said Ieysha Casanova of Spelling Bee of Canada in an email to the Principal of Assiginack Public School.

“Her dedication, hard work and poise under pressure were truly inspiring. This accomplishment is a testament not only to Emily’s commitment to excellence but also to the supportive environment cultivated at your school.”

Assiginack principal Julie Balen praised Emily for her efforts.

“Emily took the initiative to compete and put in the work to achieve a successful outcome locally and nationally,” Balen said in the release.

“This was Emily’s first experience as a spelling bee competitor, which makes the national honour that much more impressive. Hard work spells success.”