Parker Ramey, a seventh grader at Da Vinci Academy, finished second as the runner-up winner this year at the District 3 Spelling Bee held February 27 in Gwinnett County. He along with the winner will advance to the State Spelling Bee on March 19th at Georgia State University (11am). The state bee features the top twenty spellers from across the state. Each of the 8 districts send the top two spellers plus the four top spellers from the GISA (Georgia Independent School Association) for this final showdown to see who will represent the state of Georgia at nationals in Washington DC. The winning speller from this state bee will advance to Washington DC as the lone representative from our state.  Last year Parker finished in the Top 10.

On February 23, 2010, the Gainesville Kiwanis continued a long-standing tradition of honoring the STAR Students and STAR Teachers from the city and county at a special awards luncheon at the Gainesville Elks Club. 

See YouTube Video of Event

Times education reporter Amanda Woodruff went on site to report on the program's first girl student, Megan Davis of Chestatee High.  The other members of the student crew have reported that Ms. Davis is a very capable and competent crew member.

See Full Report with Photos