After a two-year delay due to the pandemic, the Franklin County Democratic Party resumed its annual Presidents’ Day Spelling/American History Bee on Feb. 20.

Organizers declared the event a resounding success and great fun for all ages. Former congressional candidate Mariah Phillips gave remarks about current education policy in the state, especially the third-grade retention policy, and stressed the importance of getting involved and voting.

Rev. Leigh Preston said grace, and attendees were treated to dinner before the start of the contests.

Students were divided into two groups which included older spellers (grades 5-12) and younger spellers (kindergarten through fourth grade). Even though students of different ages and grades competed against one another, they were spelling from age-appropriate lists.

First-, second- and third-place winners were selected from each group.

Winners in the younger-speller category included Cullen Thompson in first place, Benjamin Rudd in second place and Julian Elrod in third place.

Winners in the older-speller category included Lucia Polansky in first place, Maggie Lu Rudd in second place and Callie Eavey in third place.

Following the spelling bee, adults were invited to compete in the American History contest. The winner was Al Bardi, an associate professor of psychology at The University of the South.

Every year in their American-history bee, organizers include a trivia challenge to name your state representative, state senator, U.S. representative and two U.S. senators.

To learn more about the FCDP’s future events or to get involved, visit franklincountytennesseedemocraticparty.com.