BEDFORD – 2020 returning champion Meryl Klein kept her title as the 2021 WBIW Lawrence County Spelling Bee Champion Tuesday afternoon.
Meryl Klein, who is an 8th grader at Bedford Middle School is the daughter of Brian and Maria Klein.
Klein won the title after completing 12 rounds.
The final word that took the Day 1 grades 3-5 first place finisher Liam Ruple out of the competition was – puce.
Ruple is a 5th grader at Lincoln Elementary.
Typically, the WBIW Lawrence County Spelling Bee Champion would advance to the Kentucky Derby Festival Spelling Bee. However, that bee has been canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. This is the second year that Klein will miss the opportunity to compete in the Kentucky Derby Festival due to COVID-19.
“I am disappointed, I did not get to compete in the bee last year and will not get to compete again this year,” said Klein.
Klein maintains a 4.0 grade point average, and plans to study animal biology in college.
When asked what she plans to do with her winnings she plans to invest them.
“I plan to place it in mutual funds, probably in the medical industry,” Klein stated.
This evenings contestants in alphabetical order were:
- Haley Grant – Shawswick Elementary 6th grade
- Meryl Klein – Bedford Middle School 8th grade
- Liam Ruple – Lincoln Elementary 5th grade
- Paige Voightschild – Homeschooled
Klein was awarded a $100 cash prize provided by WBIW, a pizza party for their homeroom class provided by Papa Johns Pizza, a t-shirt, and the traditional spelling bee bobble head trophy.
The moderator of the event was 1340AM WBIW’s Talk of the Town host, Sarah Turpen. Judges were WBIW President Holly Davis and WBIW Sales Lead Brandi Weyer.
All participants receive a 1340 AM WBIW Spelling Bee t-shirt and a participant certificate.
