PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills proudly hosted its 10th Annual 5th Grade Spelling Bee on Thursday, January 9, at Parsippany Hills High School, celebrating academic excellence and the talents of local elementary school students.
The milestone event brought together students, families, educators, and community leaders for an evening of friendly competition and learning. Fifth-grade participants from elementary schools throughout Parsippany confidently stepped to the microphone, demonstrating impressive spelling skills as they competed for top honors.
Now a cherished community tradition, the annual spelling bee encourages students to embrace learning, build confidence, and develop skills that will serve them well in the future.
The competition was judged by returning panelists Matt Thompson, Principal of Parsippany Hills High School; Melissa Kuzma, Director of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System; and William Westhoven, reporter for the Gannett New Jersey Daily Record. Mary Ann Coyne, a longtime member of the Woman’s Club and chair of this year’s spelling bee, served as moderator, while fellow club member Marianne Burke acted as the pronouncer.
After an exciting 14 rounds, the winning word—“option”—was successfully spelled by Aishani Pandey of Eastlake Elementary School, earning her first place honors. Jasmika Nayak of Littleton Elementary School placed second, and Ava Ng of Northvail Elementary School secured third place.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills has supported education and community enrichment for decades, and the spelling bee is just one of many programs made possible through the club’s ongoing fundraising efforts. Proceeds from these initiatives help fund scholarships and support a variety of local organizations.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of both the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs. As the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the nation and state, the club offers opportunities for leadership development, education, and meaningful community service.
New members are always welcome. The next General Meeting will be held on Monday, January 27. For more information, contact Ginny at (973) 887-0336, email [email protected], visit www.parsippanywomansclub.org, or follow the club on Facebook and Instagram.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, February 2026. Click here to read the magazine.
