To most students spelling is just a part of schoolwork, but to Crestwood eighth-grader Maddie Wheeler-Rhoads, spelling has been a big part of the fun in her life for four years.

Former Crestwood teacher Cerys Boston saw something in Rhoads while she was in fifth grade and pointed her in the direction of the spelling bee.

“She got me started,” said Rhoads. “Miss Boston pushed me to do it, and I haven’t stopped.”

Rhoads has been in three spelling bees in the last four years. Last year she placed second in the schoolwide spelling bee, and this year she finished first.

“I was really excited to win,” said Rhoads. “But nervous too because I had to move on to the next level.”

After winning the schoolwide spelling bee Rhoads took part in an audio test that covered vocab and spelling. When the results came back, Rhoads was one of 16 students to move on to the regional spelling bee.

“The words were really long and hard,” Rhoads said. “I was really surprised at how well I did.”

Rhoads will now take part in the regional bee which happens on March 25 via zoom. If she wins her regional, she will move on to the National Spelling Bee in D.C.

“I am really excited for the regional,” said Rhoads. “It is kind of fun to go against private schools and kids from Chicago.”

Whether she moves on or not Rhoads knows that studying is what it takes to do what she does and she has hopes of continuing in high school.

“I am looking forward to high school for harder classes,” said Rhoads. “Hopefully I can continue in spelling bee’s there as well.”