Science fair winners to compete at BSU

Pennville Elementary announced its Science Fair champions.
In kindergarten was Courtney Benter for her project “Does My Horse Eat Grain or Hay Faster?” Her parents are Scott and Brenda Benter.
In first grade was McKenna Vore with “Mix It Up.” Her parents are Joe and Amy Vore.
In second grade were co-champions Kyler Paxson for “Weeds” and Alyssa Motter for “Wind Turbine.” Kyler’s parents are Michael and Jeni Paxson and Motter’s parents are Jeremy and Melany Hollopeter.
In third grade was Allison Jobe for “Exercise Your Body-Energize Your Mind.” She is the daughter of Brian and Lisa Jobe.
In fourth grade was Catherine Stafford for “Fruit Power.” Her parents are Don and Beth Stafford.
In fifth grade was Gavin Corwin for “Electromagnets.” He is the son of Alicia Corwin and Justin Saxman.
Regional qualifiers in third grade were Allison Jobe, Ethan Andreshak, the son of Michael and Kerri Andreshak, and Mikeala Sullivan, the daughter of Tracy Sullivan.
In fourth grade were Catherine Stafford and Alisa Tungate, the daughter of Simion and Tonya Tungate.
In fifth grade were Gavin Corwin, Harlaina Knapp, the daughter of Bill and Melissa Knapp, and Brady Vore, the son of Joe and Amy Vore.
The winner of the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society Award was Calli Crosby, the daughter of Michelle and Scott Penrod. The award is sponsored by Dunn Family Dental Care of Portland.
Regional winners will compete in the Regional Science Fair on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Ball State University.

Bee winners
Area schools recently held spelling bees.
At General Shanks Elementary the winner was Kaylee Inman. She is the fifth grade daughter of Aaron and Kristy Inman.
The alternate was Breea Liette, also a fifth grade student. Her parents are Dr. Herman Burgermeister and Vickie Liette.
At Pennville Elementary the winner was Caleb Webster, a fourth grade student. He is the son of Nikki Ninde and Aaron Webster, Pennville.
The alternate was Catherine Stafford, also a fourth grader. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Don Stafford, Pennville.
At Bloomfield Elementary the winner was Clare Dirksen. She is the fourth grade daughter of Tina and Dan Dirksen, Bryant.
The alternate was Millie Graber, the daughter of Elizabeth and Jonas D. Graber, Bryant.
At East Jay Middle School the winner was seventh grade student Jessie Duncan. She is the daughter of Shawn and Shavonne Duncan, rural Portland. She successfully spelled the word “nebulosity.”
The alternate was Katie Ireland, an eighth grade student.  
Winners will compete in the Star Press Spelling Bee on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 8:30 a.m. at Cornerstone Center for the Arts.

Speech winners
Students from Bloomfield Elementary recently competed in the Optimist Oratorical Contest with the theme “If I Were the Leader of the Free World, the First Issue I Would Address Would Be…”
First place in the girls division was Cassie McCowan. She is the daughter of Norman and Cathy McCowan, Portland.
First place in the boys division was Dillon Muhlenkamp. He is the son of Rodney and Holly Muhlenkamp, Bryant.[[In-content Ad]]