Every Veterans Day, right after the American Legion and City ceremony on the Village Green, Rye Free Reading Room invites Rye Middle and High School students to test their skills at the library’s Spelling Bee. 

Director Chris Shoemaker welcomed Mayor Josh Cohn and Cara Giacomo, the official word readers, and dozens of participants and their families.

Competition was stiff at the sixth annual event. 

It took eight rounds before seventh-grader Emma Crozier, the returning champion, won by correctly spelling the name of a fabric made from the hair of an Angora goat — mohair. Mohair sweaters, all the rage in the 1950s and ’60s, are now fabulously vintage. 

The High School contest went 15 rounds before sophomore Calvin Holler correctly spelled pianino. This small upright piano graced many family parlors in the 19th century. Calvin is also a two-time champ, having won the Middle School contest in 2020.

Both Emma Crozier and Calvin Holler’s names will be inscribed on the Spelling Bee trophy displayed in the library’s main reading room. At the library’s annual meeting in February, the two students will be recognized by the trustees and receive scholarship checks. 

The Rye Free Reading Room is grateful to Carpet Trends for its donation of the $2,500 High School scholarship prize, and to the Riccio and Mecca families for the $500 Middle School prize.

– Photos courtesy of The Rye Free Reading Room