On January 11, 79 students from Robertsville Middle School participated in the annual spelling bee. After an intense competition, 6th grader Jaden Jones won the 2017 RMS Bee by correctly spelling the word predominant. 5th grader Noa Duke, 6th grader Sean Gilbert, and 8th grader Tyler Thomas all tied for 2nd place.

The Jefferson Middle School Spelling Bee took place on January 19, 2017. After intense competition during the early rounds, only eight grader Adam Herron and sixth grader Dylan Christensen remained in the bee where they battled through seven more rounds. In the 18th round, Dylan emerged as the 2017 JMS spelling champion.

Dylan and Jaden will represent Oak Ridge Schools in the Southern Appalachian Regional Spelling Bee on March 4 in Knoxville.