Newburgh Free Academy P-TECH students showcased their exceptional academic prowess on Tuesday at the Literacy Connections Annual Community Spelling Bee, held at the Marist College campus. Twelve dedicated students participated in the regional competition, pitting their spelling skills against top spellers from other local high schools. This event, a celebration of literacy and academic achievement, provided a platform for our students to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and represent the Newburgh Enlarged City School District with pride.

The competition was fierce, and our students rose to the occasion, displaying remarkable composure and skill as they navigated each round. For this team-based spelling bee, students worked in teams of two to spell challenging words that tested their knowledge and word sense. NFA P-TECH House Principal Anthony Williams said the students “represented our school well and really showed the strong academic foundation cultivated in our program at P-TECH.”

We are incredibly proud of our students' performance at the Literacy Connections Annual Community Spelling Bee. Their participation is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the supportive learning environment at NFA North Campus. Julio Rodriguez, a tenth grader in the P-TECH program whose team aced the second round of spelling, said the event was “fun and engaging.” 

Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley, who sponsored the event, is an organization that is dedicated to empowering adults with low literacy and English language learners across the Hudson Valley, while also fostering a love of reading in children, by providing personalized, respectful, and relevant educational support through trained volunteers.

Story and photos provided by Ms. Christine Baumann.