Fort Defiance Agency Spelling Bee showcases young talent and hard work

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

FORT DEFIANCE – CoRiley Tsosie, the 7th-grade champion from Tséhootsooí Middle School, clinched his victory with flawless spellings of ogres and bygone, securing his first-place win and ticket to the Navajo Times/Office of Diné Youth Final Regional Spelling Bee on March 20, 2025, in Crownpoint.

The Navajo Times/Office of Diné Youth Fort Defiance Agency Spelling Bee on Feb. 20 brought together some of the brightest young minds from across the region.

Students from grades 2 through 8 competed with champions and runners-up emerging from schools including Hilltop Christian School, Ganado Intermediate School, St. Michael Indian School, and Tséhootsooí Middle School. The event highlighted not only the students’ dedication to mastering the language but also the support of their families, teachers, and coordinators.

Spellers tackled challenging words like bazaar – a word that tripped up one competitor who mistakenly used two z’s instead of two a’s – and spritzed, which proved difficult due to the tricky placement of i and r. In the end, it was the poise and preparation of the champions that shone through.

To read the full article, please see the Feb. 27, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

Get instant access to this story by purchasing one of our many e-edition subscriptions here at our Navajo Times Store.