At Kingswood Oxford’s Upper School, impressive achievements are nothing new – but this spring, eighth grader Stephanie Reale has added an especially noteworthy one to the list: winning a regional spelling bee in Connecticut and advancing to the state-level competition.
For Stephanie, her interest in spelling sprung from curiosity, and not just competition; it started with a desire to better understand language itself. “I wanted to learn Greek and Latin roots and improve my spelling abilities,” she explained. Creating a foundation and focusing on the building blocks of words later became one of her strongest strategies.
When the moment of victory arrived at the regional spelling bee, it didn’t immediately feel real for her. “I was extremely excited,” she recalled, “and many of my classmates and friends came to take a picture with me.” Still, the excitement was mixed with surprise. Stephanie noted that many of her peers were phenomenal spellers, making the win feel both rewarding and unexpected. Almost immediately, her mindset shifted toward what came next: tougher competition at the Connecticut Spelling Bee.
Preparing for that next level required both discipline and creativity. Stephanie relied on a mix of independent and collaborative study methods. She made flashcards, with the help of her classmates, and studied from the official Scripps National Spelling Bee materials – these included progressive levels known as One Bee, Two Bee, and Three Bee. She also used the Word Club app to reinforce her learning. While she didn’t follow a rigid daily routine, her consistent engagement with words proved effective.
Her approach to difficult words reflects a deeper understanding of language structure. Rather than trying to memorize every word as a whole, Stephanie breaks complex words into smaller, more manageable parts. This method helps her decode unfamiliar vocabulary under pressure.
Even for a strong competitor, though, challenges are inevitable. At the Connecticut Spelling Bee, the word that ultimately ended her run was “woebegone.” While disappointing, moments like these are part of the experience and part of what makes success in spelling bees so demanding.
Looking back, Stephanie emphasizes the importance of strong fundamentals. Her advice to other students interested in spelling bees is simple but insightful: focus on roots and don’t skip the basics. “Start with the easy words because you do not want to overlook them,” she said. It’s a reminder that even advanced competitors rely on a solid grasp of foundational skills.
Stephanie’s achievement highlights not only her dedication, but also the supportive academic community around her — from classmates who helped her study to the broader school environment that encourages intellectual curiosity. As she continues her academic journey, her success in the spelling bee stands as a testament to the power of persistence, preparation, and a genuine love of learning.
