By Dan Murphy
The Yonkers Public Schools and the Exchange Club of Yonkers hosted the 54th annual Yonkers Citywide Spelling Bee on June 4 at Saunders High School. Almost 100 students from public and private schools in Yonkers participated and were given a tough set of words to spell out, including parallel, deceitful, sufficient, omission, mosquitoes and mayonnaise.
In the end, Anthony Morales of Westchester Hills School 29 was the winner after correctly spelling the word “obnoxious.” Second place was won by Huzhaifah Jamshaid of The Anndalusia School, and third place went to Faith Rabadi from Montessori 27.
Carmello Valente, director of literacy/ELA/reading, welcomed all of the students, friends, family and YPS staff to the spelling bee, and YPS Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada thanked the parents and teachers for all of their hard work in helping to get the students on the stage of the spelling bee.
Yonkers Board of Education President the Rev. Steve Lopez thanked all of the parents, teachers and staff for participating in this year’s Spelling Bee, which continues to be one of the most popular events.
YPS Consultant Dr. Jane Dorian was the spelling bee pronouncer.
All three finalists will be honored at an upcoming Exchange Club luncheon at Luciano’s Restaurant.
