Seekonk Middle School Student to compete in National Spelling Bee

Hurley Middle School student Shelby Schenck will represent Massachusetts at the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C., this fall.

Schenck, an eighth-grader at Hurley, won the Massachusetts State Finals of the National Civics Bee on June 11 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. The competition was sponsored by the Adams Presidential Center and is part of a nationwide initiative organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Civic Trust.

“We are incredibly proud of Shelby and all of our students who represented Seekonk at the state competition,” said Principal Alexis Bouchard. “Shelby’s commitment to civic engagement is truly remarkable, and we look forward to cheering her on as she represents Massachusetts on the national stage.”

Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell noted Schenck’s victory “is a tremendous source of pride for the entire Seekonk Public Schools community.”

As the state champion, Schenck will advance to the National Civics Bee Championship, where she will compete against students from across the country for a chance to earn a college scholarship of up to $100,000.

Schenck was one of five Hurley students who qualified to compete at the state level. Joining her were Celia Rutkowski, Jaelynn Forrest, Jacqueline Leach and Aisha Imran, who previously earned a regional championship to advance to the state competition.

Students participated in two rounds of civics-focused multiple-choice questions. The top five competitors then advanced to an interview round, where they presented civic action plans designed to address issues and inspire positive change within their communities.

Following the final round, Schenck was named the Massachusetts champion and secured the Commonwealth’s lone spot in the national competition.