
Spencer Hipsher, from St. Wendelin Schools, is flanked by proud parents Ron Hipsher, left, and Lynn Hipsher, right, after young Hipsher spelled 'lenitive' to give him first place and a trip to Washington DC during the annual youth Spelling Bee at Owens Community College.
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Conor Cadigan, from Immaculate Conception Parochial, spells a word.
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Gretchen Rudolph, from Anthony Wayne Junior High School, spells a word.
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Conor Cadigan, from Immaculate Conception Parochial, holds his face while waiting to spell a word as one of the fourth spellers left.
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The final four spellers from left: Conor Cadigan, from Immaculate Conception Parochial, Zach Marcha, from McPherson Middle School, Sarah Pohlman-Beshuk, who came in second from Fallen Timbers Middle School, and winner Spencer Hipsher, from St. Wendelin Schools.
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Dave Beshuk, father of second place winner Sarah Pohlman-Beshuk, listens as his daughter spells a word in the finals.
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Second place winner Sarah Pohlman-Beshuk smiles after completing the spelling bee.
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Ricki Martin Jr., from Eagle Academy Elementary, spells a word in one of the first rounds.
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Spencer Hipsher spells the word lenitive.
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Lynn Hipsher, mother of spelling bee winner Spencer Hipsher, celebrates his victory in the audience.
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Spencer Hipsher reacts to winning first place and a trip to Washington DC.
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Spencer Hipsher gets a hug from his dad Ron Hipsher after taking first place.
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