The Portcullis bridge of a castle was often raised and lowered in Medieval times as part of a battle.
For 19 rounds Thursday in the Tri-County Spelling Bee held at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, Lexington sixth-grader Maggie Sheridan was in a similar type battle with Crestview s Izach Littefield before she was able to spell Portcullis correctly to gain the win.
“I was excited (to hear the word),” Maggie told reporters after the event. “I felt I know how to spell this. I’m going to win.”
Her win didn’t come easy after she misspelled “sauder” in the 15th round before Littefield “misspelled” allegory in the 16th round to extend the meet.
Maggie’s sister, Katie, placed third.
“I practice with her a little bit at home and also with a lunch-time advisor at school,” Maggie said.
“She usually gets more words right,” Katie added.
St. Bernard’s Catholic School seventh-grader Max Phillips was the highest Crawford County finisher in fourth place.
“I did OK,” he said. “I practiced and just remembered stuff from video games and life.”
Galion Middle School sixth grader Regin Kuehlman, a New Washngton resident, was the highest Galion School District finisher in fourth place.
She credited McDonald’s study sessions with her mom, Stacey, where they had Shamrock Shakes and French Fries.
“You gotta make it fun,” Stacey said.
Regin also said she focused on other things, like the judges shoes, to help her in the competition.
Highland eighth-grader Bruce Jordan was the highest finisher from Morrow County at seventh place and admitted he didn’t do a lot of practice.
“I didn’t really prepare,” he said. “Looked at a couple of words. I dd how I expected to do.”
