Competitors from a number of elementary schools and several grade levels made their way to the Escalon Presbyterian Church’s new multi-purpose facility on Saturday, taking part in the annual Escalon Kiwanis Club spelling bee.

The contests were by grade level, with top honors presented in first, second, third and a combined fourth-fifth grade level.

Former Escalon Unified School District administrator Bob Amato made the trip back to the area to assist with the Spelling Bee, and judges were Vickie Mello and El Portal Middle School assistant principal Mike Gaston. Moderator was Kiwanis Club President Marion Harrison.

First grade winners were Kaia Machado, first place, Dent; Johnny Heida, second, Gateway Academy; Colton Veldstra, third, Dent.

In the second grade contest, winners were Aniston Hunt, first place, Dent; and Drew Hagan, second place, Dent.

In third grade, top spellers were all from Van Allen Elementary School and included Co Northcutt, first place; Emilia Gomes, second; and Georgia Beebe, third.

The fourth-fifth grade contest saw Jayden Fowler, fifth grade, Van Allen, take first place; Bianca Lopez, fifth grade, Van Allen, second; and Destiny Reyes, fifth grade, Collegeville, third place.

Along with certificates and ribbons, winners received cash prizes, with $20 awarded for first place, $15 for second place and $10 for third.