O’Callaghan 8th-grader wins county spelling bee

Thursday, Feb. 29, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

For Aaron Moses, an eighth-grader at O'Callaghan Middle School, the third time was a charm.

Moses, in his third attempt in three years to become Clark County Spelling Bee champion, accomplished that goal Wednesday night before a public television audience by correctly spelling "tsunami."

"He was runner-up as a sixth-grader and a finalist last year, and he finally won one," said Bob Amblad, a world geography teacher at Greenspun Junior High School, who emceed the spelling bee for the 25th straight year.

"Aaron had a lot of family, friends and teachers (in the KLVX Channel 10 studio) audience cheering him on."

Also earning a shot at the state finals this spring and a possible trip to Washington, D.C., for the national finals in May were Dina Wallin, the sixth-grade champion from Las Vegas Day School, and Victor Ramirez, the seventh-grade champion from St. Francis De Sales Catholic School.

Wallin won by spelling "abalone," a sea shell, while Ramirez took his title by accurately spelling "scoliosis," a spine condition.

Fifteen finalists won school and zone titles to reach the county bee.

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