Speech, spelling math contest marks 40th year

For a third year in a row, Rosalia school March 7 hosted the annual speech, spelling and math contest sponsored by the SE Whitman County Principals’ Association. Schools participating were Asotin, Colfax, Colton, Endicott, St. John, LaCrosse, Washtucna, Oakesdale, Rosalia and Tekoa.

The contest began 40 years ago when it was brought to Whitman County from Bi-County by Dan Behrends, Rosalia principal at that time. The purpose was to give all students an opportunity to compete beyond the sports arena. Rosalia hosted the first contest, and then it rotated to other schools.

Students in grades five...