Three students from St. Nicholas of Tolentine school, Jamaica, swept the awards at the Spelling Bee for the Queens South Cluster 5 and 6, taking first, second, and third place.

The inaugural event was held on March 5 at Immaculate Conception School, Jamaica Estates.

Beverly Bruno, 6-1, edged out Jamison Silva, 8-1, for the top spelling honor. R.J. Ayroso, 7-1, lasted a three-student playoff for the third-place spot.

Students in grades six, seven, and eight competed in the spelling bee, which was the first between Immaculate Conception, Sacred Heart and St. Clare School.

Each participant received a ribbon and a certificate. The winners each received a trophy for their accomplishments.

St. Nick’s ELA teachers, Joanne Buck and Christina Loccisano worked with these students to prepare them for this competition.