Ira Jones Middle Schooler Is Headed To National Spelling Bee

PLAINFIELD, IL — A seventh-grader from Ira Jones Middle School is headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May to represent Will County.

Alanur Mescioglu bested 29 competitors at the Will County Regional Spelling Bee to advance to the national bee the week of May 25th in Washington D.C. Scripps is one of the oldest in the country and will be celebrating its centennial this spring.

The competition at Lincoln-Way West High Schoollasted nine rounds, with Mescioglu spelling "polyester" to win.

"The staff at Ira Jones is so proud of Alanur and what she has accomplished," Ira Jones teacher Karen Domabyl said in a statement. "We wish her the best of luck as she competes at the Scripps National Spelling Bee."

Aux Sable Middle School eighth-grader Dhruv Ram won second place and Indian Trail Middle School sixth-grader Edward Goding took third place.

Students from all seven District 202 middle schools competed in the regional bee. Other contestants included:

• Drauden Point: Kaylynn Wold (8th grade)
• Heritage Grove: Maya Batiller (7th grade)
• John F. Kennedy: Khaliyah Olans (8th grade)
• Timber Ridge: Saanjh Kahlon (6th grade)