Just a couple of months ago, Louisa County Middle School seventh-grader Kadence LaFontaine was one of about 1,700 students vying for the title of Spelling Bee Champion for Louisa County Public Schools.
And on Wednesday, January 29th, during the final moments of the 2025 LCPS Spelling Bee, only one word stood between her and the title: bureau.
LaFontaine was up to the challenge, confidently and correctly spelling the word to earn the title as this year’s top speller at LCPS.
LaFontaine was one of 30 spellers who qualified for and competed in the 2025 LCPS Spelling Bee on Wednesday night. Each speller earned their right to compete by succeeding in their respective school’s spelling bee. Beginning in early November and continuing through early January, all four elementary schools in the division, as well as Louisa County Middle School, hosted their own school-level bees for third through eighth-grade students. Students who finished as the first or second-place speller in their grade level qualified for the division Bee. Those who finished in third place in their grade levels served as alternates for the division competition.
LaFontaine earned her spot in the division Bee by finishing first amongst all seventh-graders at LCMS. This year’s runner-up, Tanner Daughtrey, qualified for the bee thanks to a first-place finish at the sixth-grade level for Louisa County Middle School.
During the division Bee, the students battled nerves and pressure inside the Alan Jackson Theatre at Louisa County High School to conquer a handful of extremely challenging words, successfully rolling through words like “tangerine,” antipathy,” and “addendum.” The students also handled the pressure that comes with a live audience, as seats in the auditorium were filled with proud parents, siblings, and friends.
LaFontaine’s triumph came after 8 rounds of competition that lasted approximately 74 minutes. Starting in round five, the bee came down to a battle between LaFontaine and Daughtrey. In the final round, LaFontaine spelled “auburn” correctly and then made her way through the championship word, “bureau,” to take the crown.
With the win, LaFontaine ensured that the first-place trophy went to a middle school student for the fourth consecutive year. LaFontaine was, however, the first seventh-grader to win the competition since 2018.
Afterward, LCPS superintendent Doug Straley commended all of the competitors for their performance.
“Every one of the students that participated here tonight was a champion,” Straley said. “They earned their right to be here. I’m so proud of all of them for the hard work and long hours of studying they put in, and it showed because they did a fantastic job.”
As the winner of the 2025 LCPS Spelling Bee, LaFontaine will now move on to compete in the 51st annual Richmond Raceway Regional Spelling Bee on February 27th. By virtue of finishing as the runner-up, Daughtrey will serve as the alternate.
Judges for this year’s Spelling Bee were LCPS Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Justin Grigg, LCPS Director of Assessment and Accountability Tom Smith, and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School teacher Sarah Martin. Louisa County High School teacher Helen Weddle served as the pronouncer.
Louisa County Public Schools would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to all of the competitors and sincere thanks to all of the family members, friends, and teachers who supported this year’s spellers!
School Winners/Alternates
Jouett Elementary School
3rd Grade: Fernanda Rodriguez, Eva Garnett, Rowan Stump (Alternate)
4th Grade: Cheyenne Sprouse, Melanie Smith, Elsie Pruden (Alternate)
5th Grade: Cullen McCarthy, Preston Bach, Michael Jones (Alternate)
Moss-Nuckols Elementary School
3rd Grade: Laiken Minor, Anderson Alberto Cruz, Spencer Ferraro (Alternate)
4th Grade: Aria McLamb, Lilly Martin, Luna Knight (Alternate)
5th Grade: Grace Pearson, Will Hayes, Nishita Adhikari (Alternate)
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
3rd Grade: Lucy Shumaker, Wade Johnson, LaManuel Moore (Alternate)
4th Grade: Leland Close, Piper McCavanagh, Aiden Waddy (Alternate)
5th Grade: Laurel Hollins, Devin Sexton, Carter Hughes (Alternate)
Trevilians Elementary School
3rd Grade: Hunter Corrins, Jasiah Long, Brylee Worley (Alternate)
4th Grade: Bristol Knott, Eliana Johnson, Rowan Meadows (Alternate)
5th Grade: Brett Sponseller, Aamir Turay, Elena Harris (Alternate)
Louisa County Middle School
6th Grade: Tanner Daughtrey, Nived Adhikari, Aaralyn Royals (Alternate)
7th Grade: Kadence LaFontaine, Brendan Hill, Lila Garnett (Alternate)
8th Grade: Caleb Spaid, Katie Harper, Tensleigh Carpenter (Alternate)