Bethlehem Central Middle School held its annual spelling bee on Friday, Jan. 19. Twenty-seven finalists from grades 6-8 participated in a heated competition that included a total of 173 words ranging from new entries like ‘bestie’ to some classics like ‘mischievous.’

Aneesh Jakkamsetti (grade 8), Emma Dolen (grade 6), and Evelyn Correia (grade 7) finished as the school’s top three spellers, with Aneesh Jakkamsetti earning the title of spelling bee champion with a correct spelling of the word “oblique.”

As BCMS champion, Aneesh will be registered to take part in the Regional Qualifier Bee that will be held virtually in early February and will feature top spellers from across the Capital Region.

Good luck, Aneesh! BC will be rooting for you.