Quinn S.

The Spelling Bee

 

My heart was thumping as I got in the car. Mom started it and pulled out of the driveway. “Turn  around!” I hollered. “No!” said mom. I kept commanding her to turn around but she ignored me. When we got there my palms were dripping with sweat as we entered the auditorium.

I stepped onto the stage and slowly sat down. I tried to gulp, but I couldn’t quite swallow. After they explained the rules I knew I would be called third so after the second person sat down, I got up.

My first word was discovery and I most certainly got it right!! People were getting out almost every single round! There were about 10 people left when they called for a break.

After the break I went back onto the stage and sat back down. I knew I would get out anytime now. My next word, I did get wrong!! I knew that I had let both my mentor and myself down. But instead of telling me to sit with my mentor, they told me to sit by the end of the stage.

Then, all of a sudden, another person got a word wrong. I instantly knew it was a battle for third place. He spelled another word wrong .  

The next word was determination. I went up to the microphone, shaking. I asked for a definition and they answered, “Determination is to do something without a doubt.” “Determination, d-e-t-e-r-m-i-n-a-t-i-o-n, determination.” I said.

“That is correct. You have earned third place.” I could not believe it as the crowd applauded. The rest of the time on the stage, I couldn’t hear anything as the other two battled for 1st place. I just couldn’t wait to get my award and go to the Redding Ridge with my mom and my mentor.

After it was over (and there were congratulations here and there), I went to the Redding Ridge. I knew and promised myself, that I would never forget my first spelling bee. It had been the best time ever.