Phoenix, Ariz., May 29, 2024 — Aliyah Alpert, 13, an 8th grader from Alpert Home School, advanced as one of 45 semifinalists out of 246 national competitors, placing 9th (tied) in the 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee Semifinals today in National Harbor, Maryland. Alpert was previously a top 10 finalist in the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee and finished in 9th place.
During the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee Preliminaries, Aliyah Alpert spelled "cire perdue" and "menudo" correctly, along with properly defining "detritus.” In Quarterfinals she spelled “heresiology” correctly and properly defined "heterodox” to advance. She spelled “atticotomy” correctly in the Semifinals, and properly defined “quixotic” as she completed 8 rounds.
Photos Courtesy of E. M. Pio Roda/Scripps National Spelling Bee and Craig Hudson/Scripps National Spelling Bee
The Arizona Spelling Bee's runner-up, Isabelle Garcia, 13, a 7th grader from Kyrene School District, finished in 149th place (tied) after spelling "drahthaar" and properly defined "debutante."
“Watching the competition as a regional coordinator has been an inspiring experience,” stated Emily Ramirez-Lara, AEF Director of Programs. “The dedication and skill of these young spellers, especially our own Aliyah and Isabelle, truly highlight the incredible talent in Arizona."
Aliyah Alpert and Isabelle Garcia at the Arizona Spelling Bee, Terri Bradford, AEF®
Earlier this year at the Arizona Spelling Bee, hosted by the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF®), Alpert correctly spelled the word “volemic” to win the state bee. Arizona is one of the largest spelling bee states in terms of participation with over 500,000 students throughout Arizona competing each year. For the two students who placed first and second place in the Arizona Spelling Bee, AEF supports travel for the students and their chaperones to represent Arizona as official champions in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
“The Arizona Educational Foundation is thrilled to be affiliated with the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Spelling Bees provide academic benefit as well as opportunities for students to develop critical life skills,” stated Kim Graham, AEF CEO. “We are thrilled for Aliyah, Isabelle, and their families.”
The 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee Finals will air live on ION from 8-10 p.m. on May 30, 2024. Visit spellingbee.com/watch for instructions on how to watch the Bee in a specific area.
About Arizona Educational Foundation, AEF®
The mission of AEF is to celebrate excellence and cultivate equity in Pre-K-12th grade Arizona public education. This is accomplished through a variety of programs for teachers, administrators, and students. Some programs shine a spotlight on excellence; others provide a stepping stone to help support schools and educators on the road to awesomeness. In addition to the Arizona Teacher of the Year® program, AEF also coordinates the Arizona State Spelling Bee, the A+ School of Excellence® Award, the Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona, teachSTEM, Our World, and Take Your Legislator to School. AEF was founded in 1983, by then State Superintendent of Public Education, Carolyn Warner, who felt a nonprofit needed to be established to champion public education and recognize the great work of public school educators. AEF annually reaches over 500,000 students, teachers and administrators throughout Arizona. For more information visit www.azedfoundation.org, or contact info@azedfoundation.org.
Media Contacts:
Melissa Kaszuba, URIAS Communications for AEF®
Email: melissa@uriascommunications.com | Mobile: 732-865-6687
Terri Bradford, AEF® Chief Communications Officer
Email: terri@azedfoundation.org | Mobile: 720-468-3996
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