By Erin McGrath

Published: March 26, 2008

Nine students competed in the Nelson County Public Schools Division Spelling Bee on March 20, held at Nelson County Middle School.

“I was really nervous,” winner Caitlyn Volpe of Schuyler said. “But after you get up there it’s okay.”

Volpe, 13, is a seventh grader at Nelson County Middle School and has competed in spelling bees since the fifth grade.

“I won second place in fifth grade and in sixth grade I won third,” Volpe said.

She said she didn’t study for this spelling bee, saying her hobby of reading helped her get ready for the competition.

“I guess it’s a gift,” Volpe said.

The spelling bee lasted six rounds, with Volpe correctly spelling the word “career” for the win.

Paige Fortune, a sixth grader from Nelson County Middle School, won second place.

The top winners from the Tye River Elementary, Rockfish River Elementary and Nelson County Middle School spelling bees all competed in the countywide bee; with first and second place each receiving a cash prize and a plaque.

Each student participating in the bee also received a certificate.

What is Volpe going to spend her prize money on?

“Shoes,” she said.