Getting ready for 75th annual spelling bee

Getting ready for 75th annual spelling bee

HUBBARD — Hanna Gerdes, at just 14, is an old hand at spelling bees.

She’s been a school champion and participated in three Vindicator Regional Spelling Bees in the past and will mark her fourth and final appearance at The Vindicator’s 75th annual bee Saturday in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center at Youngstown State University.

The regional bee is part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and contest rules prevent school participants from competing beyond the eighth grade.

Hanna, who is being home-schooled this year, is an eighth-grader.

She’s done well at the regional, finishing third in 2006 and second last year.

She’ll be facing last year’s winner, John Umble, again this year. He’s Willow Creek Learning Center’s champion again, and Hanna said she’s spoken with him about the national event.

“He’s very nice and helpful,” she said.

For more, see Sunday’s Vindicator and vindy.com