The Rye Free Reading Room hosted its Eighth Annual Spelling Bee on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Library Director Chris Shoemaker welcomed 37 elementary, middle, and high school students who came to test their spelling skills. Mayor Josh Cohn and Rye patron Cara Giacomo served as official word readers for the event.
This year, the library added a new section for fourth- and fifth- graders to compete for the elementary school title. After 26 rounds, fifth-grader Camden Paul won by correctly spelling “skipjack.” Middle-schooler Owen Beardsley claimed victory in the 18th round with “vapor.” It took 15 rounds for high school senior Calvin Holler to once again emerge on top, spelling “rainy.” Holler, a previous middle school champion, captured his second high school title, having also won two years ago as a tenth-grader.
High school and middle school participants also competed for two scholarship awards generously sponsored by local supporters: a $2,500 high school scholarship provided by Carpet Trends and a $500 middle school scholarship donated by the Riccio and Mecca families.
The champions’ names will be engraved on the permanent Spelling Bee trophy displayed in the library’s main reading room. Winners will receive their individual trophies and scholarship awards at the library’s annual meeting in February 2026.
