Gavin Sigua, left, and IU School of Education at IUPUI Dean Tambra Jackson. Photo by Brayden Bridgeman, Indiana University

Gavin Sigua, a seventh-grade student at Sycamore School, won the 2023 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee held March 19 at IUPUI.

The bee was sponsored by the IU School of Education at IUPUI.

Tim Williams, left, interim assistant dean for the IU School of Education at IUPUI, and Gavin Sigua. Photo by Brayden Bridgeman, Indiana University“We were thrilled to partner with Scripps and host the 2023 Indianapolis Regional Spelling Bee,” said Tim Williams, interim assistant dean for the IU School of Education at IUPUI. “Participation in the bee reflected the strength in diversity of our community as spellers represented schools throughout Marion and Hamilton counties, all of whom competed with class and demonstrated excellence.

“The competition encourages the exploration of words and lifelong curiosity, with a focus on helping students set goals and dedicate time to study and prepare — traits and skills our school, campus and university deeply value.”

Lasana Kazembe, assistant professor in the Department of Urban Teacher Education and the Africana Studies Program, served as pronouncer for the competition.

Sarah Layden, assistant professor of English in the School of Liberal Arts, served as the bee’s record keeper.

Twenty-five spellers from 19 local schools competed in the event.

Sigua’s winning word was “connoisseur,” meaning “an expert judge in matters of taste.”

In addition to advancing to compete in the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee this summer near Washington, D.C., he also won several prizes, including a $10,000 scholarship to IU Indianapolis.