25 Middle Schoolers Compete in First-Ever Spelling Bee

Monday night 25 Hasbrouck Heights Middle School students became the very first to compete in the school’s first annual spelling bee.

Seventh grade student Anik Subramanian was declared the champion, along with eighth grade student Lauren Cappadona who came in second place and seventh grade student Hannah Balcer who placed third.

Anik will go on to compete in a regional competition representing Hasbrouck Heights Middle School.All three students will receive certificates and a prize later in the week.

Principal Joseph Mastropietro said parents had hoped to see a spelling bee event at the school for some time and the Junior Beta Club stepped in to sponsor the event.

The students who took the stage Monday night were the top scorers among the entire middle school student body, all of whom had taken a series of tests prior to the competition.

“You are all winners tonight and I’m proud of all of you,” he told the students.

Board of Education trustee Mark Stefanelli, Library director Mimi Hui and Junior Women’s Club President Mary Blanusa served as the judges. Mastropietro credited Blanusa for helping the school get the spelling bee together with her knowledge from the annual Junior Women's Club spelling bee.