June 11, 2019
Media Contacts:
Scott L. Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will attend a celebration ceremony on Wednesday for Clarksville Middle School 8th grader, Saketh Sundar, one of the co-champions at this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee. Ball also congratulates the other Howard County students who participated in the national competition: Veer Tuliani, Michael Kittredge, Teresa Cherian, Luke Suko, and Kristin Millburn.
“My congratulations to Saketh Sundar on this remarkable achievement, he has made our entire community so proud,” said Ball. “This year’s spelling bee was an incredible marathon that the world will never forget. Congratulations to all Howard County spellers and thank you Mr. Sundar for representing our county so well on the national stage.”
For the past eight months, 11 million students nationwide have been vying to compete for the coveted title. In May, 565 spellers took the stage at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor in Prince George’s County. After going 20 rounds into the early hours of the morning, Saketh Sundar was named the National Champion along with 7 other spellers.
WHAT: A ceremony to honor our national spelling bee champion, Saketh Sundar
WHEN: Wednesday, June 12th, 1:30pm – 2:00pm
WHERE: Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD
WHY: To celebrate Saketh’s victory, present him with an official proclamation, and honor our other participants
WHO: Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive
Tonya Kennon, HCLS President & CEO
Terri Hill, Maryland State Delegate
Deb Jung, Howard County Councilmember
Michael Martirano, HCPSS Superintendent
Ronnie Wooten, BB&T