Learynn Hanson, an eighth-grader at Edison Junior High School, placed first in the Edison Local School District Spelling Bee, held Wednesday at Edison High School. Hanson correctly spelled “steeped,” a verb meaning soaked in water or other liquid so as to soften it or extract its flavor, to claim the win. Taking part in the awards ceremony were, from left, front, Hanson; Doug Holmes, a fifth-grader at Stanton Elementary School, second; Bryson Moses, a sixth-grader at John Gregg Elementary School, third; and Kenzi Call, a sixth-grader at John Gregg Elementary School, fourth; and back, Julie Kireta, assistant to the superintendent; Wesley Ramsey, a fifth-grader at Stanton Elementary School, fifth; Lean Moore, a fifth-grader at John Gregg Elementary School, alternate; Superintendent Bill Beattie; and Mary Ann Hoobler, district spelling bee coordinator. The top five spellers and alternate will advance to the Jefferson-Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee, presented by the Herald-Star, at 11 a.m. March 8 at Buckeye North Elementary School in Brilliant.

— Julie Stenger