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Sixth-grader Olivia Phillips, left, and fifth-grader Rachel Mayer, students at Dayspring Christian Academy of Attleboro, finished first and second overall, respectively, in the recent New York/New England District Spelling Bee sponsored recently by the Association of Christian Schools International in Lakeville. (Photo courtesy of Dayspring Christian Academy)

            ATTLEBORO – Students at Dayspring Christian Academy of Attleboro swept the top two places recently in the New York/New England District Spelling Bee sponsored by the Northeast Region of the Association of Christian Schools International at Mullein Hill Christian Academy of Lakeville.

            Sixth-grader Olivia Phillips placed first overall and fifth-grader Rachel Mayer came in second among students in grades five through eight from 12 ACSI affiliate schools in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York. Seven other DCA students participated in the event and three placed among the top four finishers in their respective grades.

At the conclusion of competitions by grade, finalists were selected encompassing all students participating in the event and it was then that Phillips placed first and Mayer closed second.

            Phillips also ended first in the 6^th-Grade competition, while Mayer concluded second in the 5^th-Grade competition. Fifth-grader Adianah Manigault (third), sixth-grader Ashwini Asirwatham (third) and sixth-grader Terrence Green (fourth) likewise placed in their competitions.

            Also representing DCA were sixth-grader Jacob Clark, seventh-graders Tiffany Tong and Jamie Lonczak, and eighth-grader Brandon Clark. Fourth-grade teacher Ronda Bootland supervised the DCA delegation.

            Dayspring Christian Academy is an interdenominational and coeducational school which teaches students in pre-kindergarten 3 through Grade 8 from a distinctively Christian world and life view, and is a ministry of the South Attleboro Assembly of God. The school boasts a culturally and spiritually diverse student body representing more than 50 cities and towns in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as more than 30 religious denominations.

            Dayspring Christian Academy offers a strong and varied academic curriculum; a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment; low student-to-teacher ratios; proven academic achievements; computer laboratory and technology instruction; in-school library; extracurricular activities, including music, fine arts, science and athletics; and after-school day care until 5 p.m.

            Further information about Dayspring Christian Academy is available by contacting the school at 508-761-5552, or accessing its Web site at www.dayspringag.org.