WBMS 7th grader wins second Roanoke County Spelling Bee
Chuck Lionberger
Updated
On January 28, 2025, Rory Grant, a seventh-grade student at William Byrd Middle School, claimed victory in the 2025 Roanoke County Spelling Bee, successfully spelling the challenging word “ruching.” The word, which refers to a pleated, fluted, or gathered strip of fabric, often made of lace, net, or ribbon, is commonly used as trimming on women’s garments.
This marks Rory’s second consecutive win at the county level, having previously claimed the 2023 Roanoke County Spelling Bee title. Rory’s impressive performance, in which he correctly spelled 20 different words, secured his place in the upcoming regional spelling bee later this spring.
The competition saw fierce competition, with Ashvin Pinnamaraju, a 5th grader from Clearbrook Elementary, finishing as the runner-up. Ashvin’s outstanding performance earned him the title of Roanoke County’s alternate for the regional bee, where he will be called upon in the event Rory is unable to compete.
“We are so proud of Rory’s achievement and dedication to spelling excellence,” said Roanoke County Public Schools Supervisor of English, Joe LeGault. “Winning a county spelling bee is hard - winning two is amazing. We also want to congratulate Ashvin on his impressive finish and wish both students the best of luck as they prepare for the regional competition,” LeGault said
The Roanoke County Spelling Bee continues to foster academic excellence and healthy competition among students, with the goal of encouraging learning and building confidence as our students become Opportunity Ready.
Elementary and middle school students who advanced to the 2025 Roanoke County Spelling Bee:
- Back Creek – Srija Sureshkumar
- Bonsack – Aarnav N. Shah
- Burlington – Ryan Tran
- Cave Spring Elementary – Omar Arrizon
- Cave Spring Middle – Gabrielle O. Amo-Mensah
- Clearbrook – Ashvin Pinnamaraju - Runner Up/Alternate
- Fort Lewis – Zachary B. Jellerson
- Glen Cove – Natalie G. Campbell
- Glenvar Elementary – Aubrey L. Robinson
- Glenvar Middle – Samuel J. Johnstone
- Green Valley – Hiyam K. Aladeemah
- Hidden Valley Middle – Kevin W. Morsink
- Herman L. Horn – Amethyst Pence
- Masons Cove – Timothy W. Smith III
- Mount Pleasant – Tucker W. Mahanes
- Mountain View – Armaan Kharoty
- Northside Middle – Onel A. Ojeda Jr.
- Oak Grove – Grayson A. Lawson
- Penn Forest – Owen C. Watkins
- W.E. Cundiff – Skylor R. Ward
- William Byrd Middle – Rory M. Grant - Champion