In an impressive display of linguistic acumen, Quint Karlsson of Crofton Middle School clinched the title at the 36th annual Anne Arundel County Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The event witnessed a gathering of the county’s top spelling talent, with Karlsson outspelling 24 competitors in a rigorous contest that showcased the students’ mastery over the English language.
The championship round came down to the correct spelling of “emolument,” a word that secured Karlsson’s victory in the eighth round of the competition. Following closely were Beorn Moon from Lindale Middle School, who achieved the second place, and Kasey Capili from MacArthur Middle School, rounding out the top three. A spell-off was required to determine the second and third places between Moon and Capili, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
This year’s spelling bee, presented by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Office of Secondary Reading, English, & Integrated Literacy, drew support from a wide range of sponsors. Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and DALY took the lead as presenting sponsors, with additional backing from Development Facilitators, Inc. (DFI), M&T Bank, and Horace Mann. The event also saw sponsorship from the American College of Education, Care First, National Teacher Association, Ricoh, and Whiting Turner.
With his win, Karlsson has earned the honor of representing Anne Arundel County at the prestigious 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. This opportunity places him among the nation’s elite young spellers, competing on a national stage for the top spelling honors.
The Anne Arundel County Spelling Bee is not just a competition but a celebration of the dedication and hard work of students, teachers, and communities. It underscores the importance of spelling and vocabulary in education, promoting a love for learning and mastery of the English language. Competitors from various schools across the county, including Annapolis Middle School’s Cesar Melendez-Gomez, Arundel Middle School’s Mason Caron, and many others, participated in this year’s bee, demonstrating the widespread talent and commitment to academic excellence in the region.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee, where Karlsson will next compete, stands as a testament to the educational value of spelling bees, fostering not only a competitive spirit but also encouraging scholarly excellence among young learners. Sponsored by The E.W. Scripps Company along with various business and community organizations worldwide, the national bee works in cooperation with school officials from private, charter, parochial, public, and home schools to organize local spelling bee programs, thereby promoting educational growth and achievement.
As Quint Karlsson prepares for the national stage, his victory at the county level serves as a beacon of academic achievement and a reminder of the significant role spelling bees play in educational development. The Anne Arundel County community and beyond look forward to supporting him as he represents them on a national platform, showcasing the prowess and potential of young scholars in the region.
