Minnetonka students swept the podium at the Twin Cities Regional Spelling Bee in early March, placing first, second and third in the competition. 

After eight intense rounds, Wade Salvey from Scenic Heights Elementary successfully spelled “toorie” (a tassel on a Scottish bonnet) to win the competition. The accomplishment earned Salvey the opportunity to represent the Twin Cities at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland this May. Minnetonka students Maya Riedner (Clear Springs Elementary) and Kai Riedner (Minnetonka Middle School West) finished in second and third place at regionals. Kai Riedner represented the Twin Cities region at the national bee in 2024.

Salvey had not competed in a spelling bee before this year. “I got started because my teacher suggested I take the written qualifier for the school spelling bee,” he shared. His preparation for the regional bee included studying a packet of provided words for the school contest and then moving on to using the Word Club app from Scripps to prepare for regionals. While he does not have a favorite word to spell, “words with multiple vowels next to each other are quite fun,” said Salvey.

“I did not expect that I would win, so this was a big surprise,” Salvey shared. “I am still in a little bit of a disbelief stage.” He shared that he’s looking forward to visiting monuments and famous landmarks on the East Coast during the extra time afforded during his trip later this spring. 

Way to go, Wade, Maya and Kai! We are proud of each of you, and we will be cheering you on in the national competition later this spring, Wade.