Far Hills Grade 5 Student Advances to County-Wide Spelling Bee

Far Hills Country Day School held its annual school-wide Spelling Bee on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in collaboration with the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program. After 19 thrilling rounds, Grade 5 student Nathaniel "Nate" Surak claimed the title of Far Hills Spelling Bee Champion by correctly spelling "Buccaneer."

The journey to the school-wide competition began earlier this winter, with classroom Spelling Bees held for Grades 3–8 during the week of December 2, 2024. Each classroom bee crowned its own winner, who then advanced to the school-wide event.

"It was so exciting to watch our students showcase their skills and their commitment to learning," said Lauren Miska, Lower School Learning Support Specialist, and Spelling Bee Coordinator." From their focus onstage to their encouragement for one another, this event highlights the unique camaraderie and character of our school."

Head of School Georgia S. Zaiser also praised the students, saying, "I am incredibly proud of our participants for their courage and dedication. What impressed me most was how they demonstrated the Far Hills Five Pillars of Character—Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Leadership, and Kindness—both in their own performances and in their support for their peers. The entire Falcon community is cheering on Nate as he heads into the next round."

Other participants competing for the county-wide spot included:

• Charles "Charlie" F. '27 of Far Hills, New Jersey
• Chase F. '27 of Far Hills, New Jersey
• Isabel O. '30 of New Vernon, New Jersey
• Aariv P. '30 of Bridgewater, New Jersey
• Anaiya P.l '28 of Clinton, New Jersey
• Timmy R. '25 of Hopatcong, New Jersey 
• Elizabeth "Sadie" S. '29 of Bernardsville, New Jersey
• Nathaniel "Nate" S. '28 of Basking Ridge, New Jersey
• Lachlan S. '26 of Gladstone, New Jersey
• Nicholas “Nick” V.'25, of Far Hills, New Jersey
• Eric W. '26 of Summit, New Jersey 

Nate will go on to represent Far Hills Country Day School in the Regional Bee at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), on March 2, 2025. The entire Far Hills community wishes him the best of luck!

Click here to view the photo gallery!