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Lee's Summit Highland Park Elementary student wins Jackson County Spelling Bee to qualify for National Spelling Bee
April 3, 2010
By Janice Phelan, R-7 School
Submitted Photo: Jordan Hoffman
Jordan Hoffman, a sixth-grader at Highland Park Elementary School, captured the top prize in the Jackson County Spelling Bee, held March 20 in Independence, and will advance to the National Spelling Bee. Jordan, who won the Jackson County competition by correctly spelling "gauche," qualified for the county bee by winning first-place in her elementary school spelling bee.
This was actually Jordan's third time to qualify for the Jackson County Spelling Bee. She won the Highland Park Elementary Spelling Bee three years in a row as a fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grader. Last year, she won fourth place at the county bee. Another Lee's Summit R-7 student, Alexandra Wilber of Greenwood Elementary, captured third place at the county bee this year.
Jordan is the first Lee's Summit R-7 School District student to qualify for the national bee in many years, said district officials. She will be among students nationwide competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, scheduled for June in Washington, D.C.
Jordan said that competing in the national event is a dream come true. "Words and language are special to me," she added. "I enjoy writing poetry and stories, so I'm excited to learn new words while studying for the spelling bee."
Preparing for the school and county events has been a family effort at Jordan's house. "My whole family has helped me study," she said, "and I appreciate all of their time that they have given to support me. All of my family and friends have supported me with thoughts, prayers and generosity. I thank God for this amazing opportunity to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and I will cherish the memory forever."
Jordan is involved in the Lee's Summit R-7 School District Honors Orchestra, the Lee's Summit Youth Chorale and has taken piano lessons since she was 5 years old. She is also active at Lee's Summit Christian Church and participates in Sunday school, youth group and choir.
"One of my favorite things to do is spend time with my little sister, Sophia," she added. "I admire her courage and optimism!"
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