The Regional Scripps Spelling Bee was held March 1 at the Duke Energy Center, hosted by Tanya O'Rourke of WCPO (Channel 9). Officials from the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. were in attendance, including Dr. Jacques Bailey, National Spelling Bee Pronouncer. There were 72 contestants for the 1st and 2nd rounds, representing schools in Kentucky and Indiana. Seventh grader Matthew Damon, from Villa Madonna Academy, was one of only 17 who made it into the third round. After correctly spelling "synchronous" in that round, he was eliminated with the word nougat on his next turn, coming in 11th over all. Matthew is the son of Geoffrey and Donna Damon, of Crescent Springs.
Photo: Matthew Damon of Villa Madonna was Speller # 70 at the Regional Scripps Spelling Bee on March 1. (Photo by Matthew's parents)