Annabelle Ritchey, a sixth grader from Peralta Elementary School, proved she was an orthographer (good speller) by taking first place in the Apache Junction Unified School District Spelling Bee.

Annabelle competed against students from Four Peaks Elementary, Desert Vista Elementary and Peralta Trail Elementary schools.

Taking second place was Aiden Baker, a sixth grader from DVES. Aaron Saldana, also a sixth grade student at DVES, came in third place; and Emily Mitchell, a fifth grader from FPES, finished in fourth place.

“Spelling bees not only help students improve their spelling and expand their vocabulary, it allows them to develop stronger cognitive skills and learning strategies,” said Robyn Gonzales, educational services curriculum manager. “We are very proud of our winners — Annabelle, Aiden, Aaron and Emily — as well as all of the students who participated in this event.”

The next step will be for AJUSD’s top three spellers to compete in the 57th Annual Pinal County Spelling Bee in J.O. Combs School District in Florence on Feb. 4.

Online registration is being accepted at all of AJUSD’s schools. For more information about AJUSD and its schools, go to ajusd.org or call 480-982-1110. You can also follow the district on Facebook @ajusd43.

Editor’s note: Sally Marks is the public relations specialist for Apache Junction Unified School District.