Spelling Bee

I had butterflies in my stomach all morning. Now, it was almost my turn. My palms got sweaty as I waited. I took a deep breath and looked straight ahead. I could do this. I knew I could. I heard my name called. I stood up and walked to the microphone. I took one last deep breath, and then 1 listened carefully to the announcer's voice. "Your final word is 'educate,'" the announcer said. "Educate." At that moment, I knew I had won. I stared out into the crowd to find my parents. I looked until I found my parents among a room full of faces. I spoke clearly into the microphone, repeated the word, and then spelled it. My parents leaped out of their seats and began clapping excitedly. My school's principal ran up onto the stage to give me her congratulations. The announcer brought over a trophy. It had a plaque that said "Spelling Bee Champion, 2002." I was thrilled. I had never won a trophy before. As soon as I could, I raced off the stage to find my parents. It only took a minute, since they were rushing toward me as well. "Well, Rob, I guess all that studying really paid off!" said Dad. "We are so proud of you!" exclaimed Mom. I just stood there holding my trophy and beaming. I couldn't think of a time when I had ever been happier. Word Bank congratulations - an expression of joy or pleasure at another's success excitedly - with great energy plaque - flat, thin piece of metal with writing on it

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