Karen Opoku-Appoh, an eighth grader from Marana Middle School, won the 2023 Arizona Spelling Bee hosted by the Arizona Educational Foundation on Saturday, March 18. The 2023 Arizona Spelling Bee Championship held at the Madison Performing Arts Center in Phoenix was the 25th year the event was coordinated by the Arizona Educational Foundation.

Arizona has one of the largest spelling bee participation rates in the nation. About 500,000 students competed from all schools that are eligible to compete across the state, including public, private, charter and home schools.

Karen said " First of all, I am happy to be one of the top 27 Spellers that competed against each other from different school locations across the state. Secondly, I appreciate AEF for organizing the Spelling Bee and other programs that provide an opportunity for students to showcase their talents and improve upon their literacy skills in a fun and exciting way. Thirdly, I am thankful that AEF will support my travel to represent Arizona as the official champion in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland.

Karen also said "Special Thank You to the Mayor of Marana, Mayor Ed Honea and Marana Town Council Members for the Proclamation Award given to me. And thank you to all my friends, Marana Middle School, MUSD and the Marana community. I am truly honored to represent the great town of Marana and Arizona."

Karen wishes to travel with her family to Scripps National Spelling Bee week in National Harbor, Maryland from May 28 to June 3rd, 2023. We are asking well-wishers everywhere to please donate any amount to help/enable the family to travel with Karen. Every dollar will be much appreciated!