4th grader to represent diocese in county spelling bee

 

Luke Daou, a 4th grader at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, made a bit of history last week when he clinched the top spot in the Diocese of Tucson spelling bee. Daou, who is 10 years old, reached the diocesan spelling bee when he defeated 8th graders at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Tucson.  

 

Daou, a student in Ms. Triphan’s class said, “I felt very nervous about going up against older kids from other schools because I thought they had much more experience than me.” Nonetheless, he prevailed and was victorious. To prepare for competing against middle school students Daou says he, “Read lots of books and I had my dad list words for me to spell most nights.” His parents Nelson and Lori said they are looking forward to their youngest son representing the diocese at the Pima County Spelling Bee on February 15, “We are so proud of Luke’s efforts and look forward to seeing how he does. We are glad SSPP had a spelling bee for kids.”  Ms. Triphan, Dauo’s teacher said, “I’m so proud of Luke. He has done all the work on spelling at home with the help of his parents. Even though he is very nervous, he gives his best. He proved that by winning the bee while he is in 4th grade!”  

 

The diocesan spelling bee also featured two sixth graders, Annabelle Ben from Santa Cruz Catholic School and Janice Coffie from Saint Cyril Catholic School.  

 

For students to participate in the Pima County Spelling Bee, schools must be registered with Scripps National Spelling Bee. The local competition is scheduled for February 15 at Canyon Del Oro High School.