Cotter 3rd & 4th Graders Shine in Spelling Bee

Cotter Schools proudly hosted its 2nd Annual Spelling Bee in the Academy Theatre at the Minnesota Conservatory for Arts on the Cotter Campus, celebrating the hard work and dedication of its young spellers. After several challenging rounds, the top honorees were recognized:

3rd Grade
• 1st Place: Daphne Breitlow
• 2nd Place: Addison Gregg
• 3rd Place: Jude Dulek

4th Grade
• 1st Place: Graham Schmidt
• 2nd Place: Lyla Fenske
• 3rd Place: Finley Biesanz

The Spelling Bee was open to all 3rd- and 4th-grade students at the start of the school year. Participants received a prep and welcome packet and met with St. Luke Hall Librarian Missy Schneider and classroom teacher, Molly Leifeld, twice a month after school from September through February for extra practice. 

The 4th-grade participants included Finley Biesanz, Aubrie Volkman, Elodie Tryon, Mara Kuehntopp, Lorayna Krause, Erik Stokes, Rylan Wicka, Jameson Moran, Johnathan Swenson, Lyla Fenske, Harper Engfer, Graham Schmidt, Maisy Biesanz, Jacob Bohnstengel, Ayla Leifeld, Catherine Stevenson, Grace Gibson, and Ana Biederman.

The 3rd-grade participants included Milaina Bozadjieva, Jude Dulek, Addison Gregg, Daphne Breitlow, Cora Holtan, and Bergen Severson. 

“Our spelling bee celebrates more than just correct spelling. It highlights the curiosity, determination, and confidence our students build when they challenge themselves,” said Missy Schneider. “Watching our students step up to the microphone with courage and enthusiasm is amazing. We’re incredibly proud of every student who participated.”

Cotter Schools continues to foster a love for learning, encouraging students to grow in confidence and academic excellence.

(left to right) Daphne Breitlow, Addison Gregg, Jude Dulek

(left to right) Finley Biesanz, Lyla Fenske, Graham Schmidt