By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter
CRESTLINE – Thirteen-year-old Kayleigh Malone may not have won the Scripps National Spelling Bee but she did win the generosity of people across Crawford County.
The Crestline Middle School student made it to the third round in the competition in Washington D.C. after a campaign by her mom and stepfather earned the family enough money to make the trip.
“It was so fun and I met a lot of new friends there,” Kayleigh said. “I even got to read to the Cat in the Hat.”
Kayleigh’s mom, Jennifer Malone, secured the registration money from Zara Construction, Inc. of Ontario.
“We were not given very much notice that she had passed the test and was selected to compete in the national competition. We needed about $2,000 and could not come up with it on our own,” Jennifer said.
The family set up a Go Fund Me account and a teacher at Kayleigh’s school put the word out which prompted Zara Construction to pay Kayleigh’s registration fee.
“Calvary United Church of Christ paid for the hotel room. We had a bake sale in Bucyrus and one in Crestline. Several people gave donations instead of purchasing a baked good. A Bucyrus teacher stopped and donated $20 and one couple had Kayleigh spell Bucyrus for them and donated $10,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer said the people of Crawford County rock.
“Kayleigh was able to have a wonderful experience because of the kindness of others. We can’t thank everyone enough for all of their help,” Jennifer said.
Kayleigh, who is an avid reader, said the experience was wonderful.
“I learned a lot and really liked being on stage,” Kayleigh said.
Kayleigh’s speller number is 386 on the Meet the Spellers page on the Scripps National Spelling Bee website.