GALT, CA (MPG) - Eleven students stepped up to test their spelling skills during the annual Marengo Ranch spelling bee held Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Pictured in the front row from left are Lily Violett, Gabriela Foreman, Liam Elliott, Aria Loeza and Ella Gillespie. In the back row, from left, are Ronnie Holden, Nihal Shergill, Lucy Albritton, Blake Brocker, Carlos Mejia and Valeria Carranza. 

This year’s participants included Aria Loeza, Liam Elliott, Ella Gillespie, Carlos Mejia, Gabriela Foreman, Blake Brocker, Lucy Albritton, Lily Violett, Ronnie Holden, Valeria Carranza and Nihal Shergill.

After several rounds, fifth grader Valeria Carranza earned first place. Principal Joshua Saldate served as the event’s official pronouncer, and judges Jennifer Porter, Lori Bormann and Amy McNamara oversaw the competition.

Marengo Ranch student Valeria Carranza poses with her first-place spelling bee certificate on Nov. 18. 

Round of applause for Marengo Ranch students as they spell their way to success!