Caitlyn Couch, sixth grader, Bluffton spelling bee champ
It came down to “marmalade,” “exasperation,” “reprobate,” “annoyance,” and finally “conspiracy.”
Bluffton sixth grader Caitlyn Couch won this year’s Middle School spelling bee and will represent the school in the Feb. 24 Allen County spelling bee and also the March 17 regional spelling bee.
Seventh grader, Hannah Davis, runner-up, is Bluffton’s spelling bee alternate.
This year’s bee, held Friday morning, went four rounds until Caitlyn and Hannah were the lone contestants standing.
They competed against each other, spelling their final words correctly until Hannah missed “reprobate,” and Caitlyn followed by correctly spelling both “annoyance” and “conspiracy” to win the title.
This year’s participants follow:
Sixth grade
Caitlyn Couch
Cole Bowers
Adanna Johnstone
Malaya McBrien
Izzy Stechschulte
Seventh grade
Hannah Davis
Jacob Szabo
Cameron Coughlan
Eighth grade
Nicole Boyle
Ethan Bogart
Amber Boop
Logan Nussbaum
Reagan Mittendorf
This year’s pronouncer was Elizabeth Cogley. Judges were Nancy Armour and Susie Gratz.
Recent spelling bee winners:
2017-18 - Caitlyn Couch, 6th grade
2016-17 - Nicole Boyle, 7th grade
2015-16 - Nicole Boyle, 6th grade
2014-15 - Danielle Novak, 7th grade
2013-14 - Laura Strahan, 8th grade
2012-13 - Isabel Maseli, 7th grade
2011-12 - Elizabeth Nisly, 8th grade - also Allen County champion
2010-11 - Elizabeth Nisly, 7th grade - also Allen County champion
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Tornado Watch issued for Allen, Hancock, Hardin and Putnam counties at 9:15 p.m. on April 2
- Flood Warning issued for Allen County at 11:03 a.m.
- Pirate tennis loss at Elida
- Pirate softball loses opener to Ada
- Pirate baseball falls to Ada
- Allen County will not test warning sirens on April 2
- March 2025 land transfers in the Bluffton Exempted Village School District
- April 22 crash report shows driver hit N. Dixie home
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll announced for 3rd quarter of 2024-2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
- Obituary for Betty C. Mumaugh
- Leo Club supports Bluffton Clean Up
- Wind, rain and potential flooding for April 2
- Grandey to major in education, play basketball at John Carroll
- Pirate tennis blanks Bath
- Pirate baseball sweeps opening twin bill vs. Pandora-Gilboa
- “I Have Not Forsaken the Word of God” reader's theater, April 13
- Easter Cantata performed on April 13 in Pandora
Monday, March 31, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Bluffton Public Library’s April 2025 programs and services
- Joseph “Joe” Ropp Davies worked for University of Findlay
- Hillville Road bridge maintenance on April 1
- Lift access added to Bluffton Senior Center back entrance
- Register for fear of falling workshop
- Florence to explain advanced sports stats at student forum