Fort White eighth grader eliminated in Scripps National Spelling Bee quarterfinals

Tucker Ayers, an eighth grader at Fort White Middle School, was eliminated from the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. after misspelling the word ‘colitis’ in the quarterfinals. He had advanced past the third round’s written test on Tuesday, ultimately finishing tied for 79th place among 247 national finalists.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20

Federal judge hears UF student’s free-speech challenge to expulsion over online posts

A federal judge heard arguments in a case brought by a University of Florida student who was expelled and is now contesting that punishment on free-speech grounds. The dispute centers on whether the university’s action against the student over online posts violated First Amendment protections. No ruling was immediately reported.

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Sources: The Gainesville Sun

UF to hold public forums June 3 with presidential finalist Dr. Stuart Bell

The University of Florida will host three open forums on June 3 at Emerson Alumni Hall for the campus community to meet Dr. Stuart Bell, the sole finalist recommended by the UF Presidential Search Committee to become the university’s 14th president. Bell previously served a decade as president of the University of Alabama, where he was credited with improving national rankings, enrollment, and campus facilities. Separate sessions are scheduled for faculty, students, and administrators and staff throughout the afternoon.

Sources: WCJB TV20