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 December 19, 2007 – S-c-h-o-l-a-s-t-i-c. That was the word that earned fifth grader, Emily Dickson of the Alexandria Achievement Center the title of the 2007 Higher Achievement Regional Spelling Bee Champion. This year’s competition was intense, as 25 scholars from all 5 Achievement Centers competed to be this year’s top speller.

 Sponsored by Capital One, the regional bee is a chance to display the spelling talents of Higher Achievement scholars. Kim Young of Capital One gave opening remarks that encouraged the young competitors, and recited the competition rules. Higher Achievement’s Deputy Director, Lynsey Wood Jeffries, also addressed the scholars, revealing that “occasion” was her eliminating word when she competed in her elementary school spelling bee.

 Competing for over an hour, Higher Achievement scholars handled spelling pressures with grace, as parents, mentors, siblings and staff cheered them on. Higher Achievement board and president’s council members were also present to share in the excitement.

 With two of her scholars competing to be the Regional Spelling Bee Champion, Alexandria Center Director, Bridget L. Brandon, admitted that, “The competition was tense.” It was especially intense for Brandon , because just like at the Alexandria Center Spelling Bee, both Emily Dickson and Ghazal Khammash were the last spellers standing. The second runner-up was Cheyenne Coote of the Ward 4 Achievement Center.