Richmond Public Schools hosted its annual Division Spelling Bee last week at Mary Munford Elementary School. Cheered on by family members, friends, and teachers, nearly three dozen students representing RPS elementary and middle schools competed at this year’s event after winning their school’s spelling bee. Officiating the spelling bee was Dr. Joy Lawson Davis, award-winning author of Bright, Talented, & Black: A Guide for Families of African American Gifted Learners.

The winner of the event was Prince-Albert Hudson, a 4th grader at Barack Obama ES, who claimed the title after 15 ROUNDS by correctly spelling “centipede.” The Runner-Up was Paxson Wijesooriya from Chimborazo ES.

“We are so proud of them both,” said Jason Kamras, superintendent of Richmond Public Schools. “As the division winner, Prince-Albert advances to the Richmond Times-Dispatch 2020 Regional Spelling Bee on March 21. We’re rooting for you, Prince-Albert.”