Buzzworthy Brilliance: PVNC Catholic students among top spellers at 11th Annual Rotary Club of Peterborough Spelling Bee

May 6, 2025

Fleming College was abuzz with students on Saturday, May 3, 2025 as elementary students from Grade 4 to 8 took part in the 11th annual Rotary Club of Peterborough Spelling Bee.

This year’s bee drew its finalists from a pool of more than 4,000 students who participated in qualifying spelling competitions across local schools.

The finalists split into two divisions: Junior (Grades 4–6) and Intermediate (Grades 7–8).

St. Anne Catholic Elementary School Grade 5 student Verna Conlin-Hanley took home the top prize in the Junior division, while St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School Grade 7 student Tyler Phillips was the runner-up in the Intermediate division.

The top finishers didn’t just walk away with bragging rights—they earned an array of prizes, including a week at Trent Excalibur Camp or Camp Kawartha, brand-new bikes from Canadian Tire, art lessons from the Art School of Peterborough, parties at Zap Attack Laser Tag, event tickets courtesy of Miskin Law, and cash contributions to their schools’ literacy programs.

According to the Rotary Club of Peterborough, literacy is one of seven areas of focus for the club which believes that the excitement for reading and writing generated by the annual Spelling Bee encourages children’s interest in improving their literacy skills and also helps to develop poise under pressure and public speaking skills.