It was an big week at Horace Maynard Middle School as Jaydon Battles captured first place in the HMMS School Spelling Bee and then followed it with another first-place finish at the Clinch-Powell Education Cooperative & Lincoln Memorial University Annual Science Fair.

Jaydon first showcased his talent at HMMS by claiming the school spelling bee title. Spelling has long been one of his strengths. In November, he was named the 6th Grade Spelling Champion at the BETA Convention in Nashville. Prior to that, he won the Sharps Chapel Elementary Spelling Bee in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.

“Winning the Spelling Bee felt amazing, but taking first at the regional science fair right after that made it even better,” Jaydon said.

Just days after his spelling bee victory, he competed against students from across the region at the annual science fair hosted by the Clinch-Powell Education Cooperative and Lincoln Memorial University. Surrounded by many strong projects and talented students, Jaydon was surprised when his name was announced as the first-place winner.

“There were a lot of really good projects at the science fair, so I was shocked and excited when they called my name for first place,” he said.
For Jaydon’s mother, Danielle Battles, who is also a teacher at Horace Maynard Middle School the week made the accomplishments even more meaningful.
“Spelling is something that comes natural to him,” she shared. “There was a lot of pressure on him to continue that streak this year.”

She described the week as unforgettable. “Seeing him win both the spelling bee and the science fair in the same week was amazing. What makes us most proud isn’t just the awards, it’s the time, curiosity, and effort he puts into learning every day.”

As both a parent and an educator at the school, she said the moment carried special significance. “As both a parent and a teacher at the school, it’s incredibly special to watch him succeed. I get to see the hard work he puts in as a student, and as a parent it makes me very proud to see that dedication pay off.”

Jaydon’s back-to-back victories highlight not only his academic ability but also his dedication and love of learning. HMMS proudly celebrates his accomplishments and the example he sets for his peers modeling one of our core values of Educational Excellence. Way to be REAL Jaydon!