Successful S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G

Ryan Frank is not comfortable talking about himself.

The fourth-grade student at Holley-Navarre Intermediate School would really prefer for his parents to field questions, so he can concentrate on more pleasant tasks like swimming, playing video games and watching movies.

Though he may appear like the average fourth-grader, he is much more. Ryan, 10, has an innate talent for spelling.

His capabilities led him all the way to Washington, D.C., where he competed at the Scripps National Spelling Bee June 1-2.

Ryan made it through the initial written round, followed by two rounds of oral competitions. He correctly spelled both “andante” and “discerptible.” However, he did not make it to the final round where the winner of the bee receives $40,000 in cash and prizes.

For more on this story, see the June 16 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.