Fifth-grader Alauna Kinchen was the winner of West Liberty-Salem Elementary’s annual Spelling Bee Jan. 7 after 19 rounds of competition.
Fellow fifth-grader Ellis Koons was the runner-up of the event that was live-streamed from the gymnasium so that the rest of the student body could also watch the contest.
Eight fourth-graders and eight fifth-graders were selected to participate after competing in classroom level competition in December.
Curriculum Director Stacy Dunn moderated, while Mr. Hollar and Mrs. Jurich judged the event.
Kinchen will go on to compete in an online vocabulary and spelling test in March against other champions throughout Ohio. The test will determine her eligibility for the State Spelling Bee in the spring.