Jackson-Milton Middle School eighth-grader Ryan Staton’s performance at The Vindicator 83rd Regional Spelling Bee creates another historical moment for Jackson-Milton.  Fifty spellers from Mahoning County and parts of Trumbull County entered Saturday’s bee. That includes participants from public, charter, private and home schools.

Ryan earned grand champion at Saturday’s event in the Chestnut Room of Youngstown State University’s Kilcawley Center. He correctly spelled “palmary,” which means “worthy of praise or notice,” according to the spelling guide.

To secure his win, Ryan also had to correctly spell “renitency” which is “the quality or state of being persistently opposed.”

This was Ryan’s second trip to the Spelling Bee and last year he earned third place.

According to the Vindicator, Ryan said he waited until almost the last minute to begin studying for the bee.  That cram session involved writing words out several times to help solidify them in his memory.  He doesn’t have a particular secret for his spelling success.

Ryan plans on displaying the trophy in his room at home and will represent the region in the 89th Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

The trip, including hotel and travel accommodations, tours, meals and incidental expenses for Ryan and an adult escort are paid by The Vindicator. National bee entrants will participate in a week of activities May 22-28.

Besides the trophy, Ryan also will receive a gift card from the Rotary Club of Youngstown, a gift card from the Downtown Kiwanis Club, a one-year subscription to Britannica Online Premium, courtesy of Scripps; the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award; Webster’s Third New International Dictionary and flowers from Burkland Flowers of Youngstown.

The Vindicator Regional Spelling Bee has been a community tradition since 1934.

Jackson-Milton is proud of your accomplishment and good luck at the National Spelling Bee!