Doug Holmes, a sixth-grader at Stanton Elementary School, placed first in the Edison Local School District Spelling Bee, held Tuesday at Edison High School. Holmes correctly spelled “squabble,” a noun meaning a petty quarrel about something petty or trivial, to claim the win. Taking part in the awards ceremony were, from left, front, Holmes; Kyler Blancato, a fifth-grader at John Gregg Elementary School, second; Ethan Bennett, an eighth-grader at Edison Junior High School, third; and Christopher Mase, a sixth-grader at John Gregg Elementary School, fourth; second row, Bentley Miller, a fifth-grader at John Gregg Elementary School, fifth; and Chase Blancato, a fifth-grader at John Gregg Elementary School, alternate; and back, Superintendent Bill Beattie; Mary Ann Hoobler, district spelling bee coordinator; and Julie Kireta, assistant to the superintendent. 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 14 at Buckeye North Elementary School in Brilliant.

— Julie Stenger