COVINGTON, Ga. - It took nine rounds, but in the end, Clements Middle School eighth-grader Cameron Thomas claimed victory in the Newton County School System 2019 Spelling Bee when he correctly spelled the words “portentously” and “attenuated.” 

Thomas will now represent NCSS at the 2019 District 5 Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Edwards Middle School in Conyers. Heard-Mixon Elementary School fourth-grader Anthony Miller was this year’s runner-up and will serve as the NCSS alternate in the event Thomas cannot participate in the Regional Bee. 

“I studied all week so I’m happy to win,” Thomas said. He noted he would study spelling words at home each night. When his mom got home from work she would help him review the spelling list. 

He added that he felt confident that he knew all the words called at the Bee today.

Runner-up Anthony Miller, who’s only in his first year of eligibility (students in grades four through eight are may compete) for the Spelling Bee, stated that although he was nervous, he was also confident in his ability.

“It feels pretty good to be runner-up,” Miller said. “I want to be a writer when I grow up and if you want to be writer, you’ve got to know how to spell.”

Both Thomas and Miller said they were going to start reviewing their spelling lists now to study and prepare for the upcoming Regional Spelling Bee. 

“Spelling is an important skill to have and I congratulate both Cameron and Anthony on a job well done,” NCSS Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey said. “They represented their schools very well and should be very proud of their accomplishments. I wish Cameron the very best in the Regional Spelling Bee and I look forward to seeing Anthony compete in our system Bee for many years to come.”