6th Grade MPUSD Student Wins Countywide Spelling Bee, Will Represent Monterey County in Washington D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 28, 2025

Contact: MCOE Communications: 831.755-0301 – communications@montereycoe.org   

6th Grade MPUSD Student Wins Countywide Spelling Bee,

Will Represent Monterey County in Washington D.C.

**Photos Provided**

Salinas, CA – After eight rounds and numerous words, Monterey County has a new spelling champion. Seren Kim, a 6th grade student from La Mesa Elementary School in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, outspelled twenty-three other students from schools throughout Monterey County to win the Countywide Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 1, at the Monterey County Office of Education. Seren’s winning word was bibliopegist.

As champion, Seren Kim will represent Monterey County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., from May 26 to May 30, 2025. Our community partners will sponsor airfare and expenses for Seren and a parent. Other prizes for the first place champion sponsored by Scripps National Spelling Bee include:

●        A Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary and a one-year subscription from Merriam-Webster

●        A one-year membership to Britannica Online Premium from Encyclopedia Britannica

●        The Samuel Louis Sugarman Award from Mr. Jay Sugerman

●        A six-night stay at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center for the winner and one parent during Bee Week

●        A $300 Cash Prize on behalf of the Monterey County Office of Education

The second place winner received a $200 cash prize and the third place winner a $100 prize.  The top three champions also received a physical Merriam-Webster dictionary on behalf of the Monterey County Office of Education.

“Practicing spelling requires patience, concentration, and a consistent effort,” said Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss, “The techniques and strategies that each student learns from preparing for this spelling bee will take them far in life, and I could not be more proud of them.” 

Here are the top-place finishers:

First Place: 

Seren Kim, 6^th Grade, La Mesa Elementary School, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District

Winning word: bibliopegist

Second Place: 

Charlotte Beiderwell, 7^th Grade, Carmel Middle School, Carmel Unified School District

Third Place: 

Laia Davis-Santos, 8^th Grade, Santa Catalina School

Special thanks to our community partners: Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County, Read to Me Project, and Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL).

Above - From left to right:  Countywide Spelling Bee Winner Seren Kim and Monterey County Office of Education Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras.

Above - From left to right:  Monterey County Office of Education Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras, Countywide Spelling Bee Winner Seren Kim, alongside her mother.

Above - From left to right:  Countywide Spelling Bee Winner Seren Kim and Monterey County Office of Education Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras.

Above - Pictured from left to right: Monterey County Office of Education Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras,  2nd Place Winner Charlotte Beiderwell, 1st Place Winner Seren Kim, and 3rd Place Winner Laia Davis-Santos.