New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | April 12, 2026

Seventh grader wins NKCPS Spelling Bee

By Alan Chamberlain | February 5, 2016 2:37 pm

New Kent Middle School seventh grader Noelle Kruger (at the microphone) anticipates her next word while New Kent Elementary School fifth grader Kendall Hicks awaits her turn during the final rounds of Friday's New Kent County Public Schools annual Spelling Bee. Nine grade group spelling champions started the competition, which came down to Noelle and Kendall vying for the crown. Noelle won the event by correctly spelling "discern" in the 10th round. Kendall finished as runner-up. Noelle advances to the regional bee scheduled for March 12 at the Library of Virginia in Richmond.

Alan Chamberlain photo

Grade group champions await the start of Friday's New Kent spelling bee. From left are NKMS seventh grader Noelle Kruger, NKES fifth grader Kendall Hicks, NKMS eighth grader Aiden Grant, Watkins third grader Morgan Schalasny, NKMS sixth grader Sophia Adkins, Watkins fourth grader Raina Niles, Watkins fifth grader Logan Hodge, NKES fourth grader Parker McBrayer, and NKES third grader Avah Petry.

Grade group champions await the start of Friday’s New Kent spelling bee. From left are NKMS seventh grader Noelle Kruger, NKES fifth grader Kendall Hicks, NKMS eighth grader Aiden Grant, Watkins third grader Morgan Schalasny, NKMS sixth grader Sophia Adkins, Watkins fourth grader Raina Niles, Watkins fifth grader Logan Hodge, NKES fourth grader Parker McBrayer, and NKES third grader Avah Petry.