The Spelling Bee

The second grade spelling bee was this past week. This was the first school event in which Samuel participated. I was a bit concerned about how he would perform.

Another mother in our neighborhood, who is also a teacher at the school, had informed me on at least four occasions that her son won the 1st grade spelling bee and was certain he would win this year as well.

okay.

Samuel wanted to participate but didn't prepare.

I knew he would do well if he wanted to, but that didn't seem to interest him.

Part of me hoped he would not win.

I wanted him to understand the value of working for a goal, rather than it just coming so easily.

On the other hand, I didn't want him to feel bad about his performance.

So the night arrived.

Samuel drew #2. Number 2 in a group of about 55.

The first rounds of the spelling bee took f.o.r.e.v.e.r.

Soon we were down to round 11 and 4 boys remain.

In the 11th round Samuel and one other boy were knocked out.

12th round it was over.

The spelling champ from last year won this year.

Samuel took it like a man. He shook his friend's hand and congratulated him.

What I was most proud of was that during those 11 rounds Samuel encouraged all of the participants by telling them good job as they returned to their seats or left the stage. He wanted to stay to watch the end of the spelling bee while most of his classmates left as soon as they were eliminated. He said on the drive home that Sam (the other boy) deserved to win because he had been studying for it for months.

What a kid we have. It really is a privilege to watch this young man grow and mature.