Grandview fifth grader Blake Dunbar was named first runner-up at the Butler County Spelling Bee on February 7, 2025.
The county bee lasted for seven rounds. Blake correctly spelled tinge, haberdasher, karma, monopolize, casserole, and anthropology before misspelling realm during round 7 and securing the first runner-up slot.
Other USD 490 representatives who competed at the county spelling bee included the middle school’s Meagan Helmandollar, Blackmore's Riley Austin and Skelly's Lena Mantooth.
The winner of the bee was Samuel Riley from Andover Middle School with the championship word of anxiety. Vidvath Vennavelli from Wheatland Elementary placed third.