Warwick student captures spelling bee trophy

Tuxedo — Persistence paid off for Warwick resident Hayley Williams, an eighth grade student at Tuxedo Park School. After six years of competition, she captured the prestigious Spelling Bee Trophy at the school’s annual spelling bee, held on Friday, Feb. 3. Hayley has participated in the spelling bee since third grade, the first year that students are eligible to compete, and reached the finals every year. The trophy finally was hers when she spelled “procession” with confidence. “Hayley certainly deserved to win this year,” said the school’s English chairperson, Lori Calderon. “She has a natural gift for spelling, and she worked very hard to win the competition.” Tuxedo Park School first introduced the spelling contest in 1950, and Hayley joins a long list of alumni whose names are inscribed on the Tuxedo Park School Spelling Bee Trophy. For more information, call 351-4737 or visit www.tuxedoparkschool.com.