Jefferson Elementary Principal Art Baker introduced Jordan Brough to the USD 428 Board of Education on Tuesday, where he was recognized for winning this year’s local spelling bee.
Jordan correctly spelled “gunnysack” and “dracula” back on Feb. 6 to edge out Marco Espinosa, Lincoln School sixth grader, in the 2016 Donald H. Humphreys Barton County Spelling Bee at Great Bend High School. Both boys qualified for the Sunflower Spelling Bee March 5 in Hays.
Board members congratulated Jordan, who finished among the top half of the 79 spellers at the highly competitive Sunflower Spelling Bee, according to Baker.
“We’re very proud of you,” school board president Joyce Carter said.

KAY conference
There were also words of praise for some high school students Tuesday when Superintendent Brad Reed shared correspondence he received from the Kansas State High School Activities Association and the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) director.
KAY sponsor Tina Hiss and Kayette sponsors Connie Claussen and Holly Johnson received a note of appreciation from the KSHSAA and the KAY director for their efficient and gracious planning and hosting of the 2016 KAY Unit Conference at GBHS, Reed said, noting the person who sent the correspondence also complimented the high school students’ spirit and teamwork as well as their beneficial community projects.  
Hiss said the students did most of the work. “It was an exceptional group of kids,” she said