John Legend was once a 10-year-old Springfield spelling bee champion. Here’s that story.

John Stephens, winner of the 1989 District Spelling Bee, is tutored at home by his mother Phyllis.

John Stephens, winner of the 1989 District Spelling Bee, is tutored at home by his mother Phyllis.
News
By Melisa Lyons
May 12, 2018
X

Editor's Note: This story first published on June 21, 2017.

John Legend was a star even before he became a 10-time Grammy award singer and songwriter.

Born John Stephens in 1978, Legend was homeschooled by his mother Phyllis with his siblings. In 1989, Legend went on to win the Springfield District Spelling Bee.

RELATED COVERAGE

  • John Legend one of TIME 100 most influential people of 2017
    ⟩
  • 10 musicians from Dayton and Ohio who made it big
    ⟩
  • 10 actors you should know who were born in Dayton
    ⟩
  • John Legend dedicates new theater to Springfield schools
    ⟩

Here is part of the news story from 1989:

The suit and tie, the steady gaze, the crisp enunciation – John Stephens came the win the Springfield District Spelling Bee Thursday, and win he did.

The only contestant who wore a suit and tie, John, 10, strode to the microphone, looked pronouncer Dwayne Frank in the eye and correctly spelled "prejudice" to take home the title of Springfield spelling champ.

His mother uses curriculum from Springfield Christian Schools to teach John and his siblings, Ronald II, Vaughn, and Missy, in their Lexington Ave. home.

John Stephens, winner of the 1989 District Spelling Bee, is tutored at home by his mother Phyllis.

icon to expand image

In Other News
1
Nouvo sant Ayisyen an gen objektif sipòte kominote a, e sèvi kòm yon...
2
Victim opposes Clark Co. plan for jail officer’s assault charge to be...
3
What’s happening this weekend: Yuletide, Powder Puff, legal clinic and...
4
Springfield school district sues county auditor over millions in...
5
Mechanicsburg schools’ 4-star state report card is ‘one measure of...

About the Author

Melisa Lyons