Stebbins 6th grader Pilinguasta Brennan Paje placed FOURTH, while 8th grader Kalirtuq Natalie Mike placed FIFTH in the statewide 2023 Yup'ik Spelling Bee for Beginners.
The spelling bee featured spellers from the Bering Strait, Lower Yukon, and Yupiit school districts.
Freda Dan, who was born and raised in Stebbins and now resides in Anchorage, has organized the annual Yup'ik Spelling Bee for the past 11 years.
The Yup'ik Spelling Bee is an important event in the preservation and celebration of the Yup'ik language. It encourages young students to learn about and appreciate their cultural heritage. It also hopes to attract more participants and continue the tradition of celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Yup'ik people.
Congratulations to our Grizzlies spellers, coaches Becky Atchak and Minnie Aluska, and to the sponsors of this event!