Glen Ellyn Resident Takes Home Grand Prize at DuPage Senior Spelling Bee

Following a series of local spelling bees at retirement communities and senior centers, State Rep. Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn) hosted the Grand Finale Spelling Bee at the DuPage County Historical Museum Wednesday. After 36 rounds, Margot Zwierlin of Glen Ellyn was named the Grand Finale champion after correctly spelling the word "laryngitis." 

Finishing a close second was Marie Chmelik, 90, of Lombard; Jean Ann Axelson of Lombard and Angela Boyle, 98, of Glen Ellyn came in third and fourth, respectively.

“I would like to congratulate each of our talented spelling bee participants,” said Pihos. “Every year I am impressed with the very high quality of spellers we have turn out. It is obvious this generation does not rely on spellcheck! I enjoyed this wonderful opportunity to connect with local seniors and look forward to hosting the spelling bees next year.”

Pihos says DuPage residents 65 and older were invited to demonstrate their spelling skills at local spelling bees early in October, and the top winners from each “Bee” advanced to face off at the Grand Finale Spelling Bee Wednesday. 

The top three winners from the preliminary spelling bees are as follows: 

Oct. 1: The Meadows of Glen Ellyn

• Angela Boyle, Glen Ellyn
• Margot Zwierlin, Glen Ellyn
• Sandra Rea, Glen Ellyn

Oct. 1: Beacon Hill, Lombard 

• Pat Kotilinkek, Lombard
• Marie Chmelik, Lombard
• Jean Ann Axelson, Lombard

Oct. 2: Peace Memorial Manor, Downers Grove

• Dolores Kwiecinski, Downers Grove
• Chinu Patel, Downers Grove
• Hellen Berntson, Downers Grove

Oct. 3: Lexington Square Senior Living, Elmhurst 

• Eleanor Olson, Lombard
• Barbara Vinci, Elmhurst
• Irma Stelter, Lombard