SMU wins ORC Spelling Bee for sixth consecutive year

For the sixth year running, Saint Mary’s has emerged triumphant in the Winona ORC Spelling Bee. Facing grueling competition, Cardinal Virtues team members Dr. Paul Weiner, Father Paul Nienaber, Ph.D., and Dr. Liz Throop spelled their way to victory on March 23.

The Cardinal Virtues was one of 19 teams combining brain power to correctly spell words such as "dirndl,” “ingenue,” “dissymmetry,” “obelisk,” and “isinglass” and, in a sudden death playoff with Hiatt Manufacturing, Saint Mary’s correctly spelled “chiffonade" in the 11th round of the spelling bee. Team members won bee-colored piggy banks and a Berenstain Bears spelling bee coloring book, as well as a Hy-Vee gift card and some jaw-breakers.

The event raised over $3,000 for Winona ORC, which serves individuals with special needs obtain and maintain employment in the community