Quick pics: Local students compete in Hill County Spelling Bee

Davey School Student Lucille LeBlanc competes in the first round of the Hill County Spelling Bee in the auditorium of Havre Middle School Thursday morning with students from area schools waiting for their turns.

Havre Middle School Student Keyon Roberts is presented First Prize in the 56th Annual Hill County Spelling Bee by pronouncer Jackie Hanson. Roberts will go on to represent the area at the Treasure State Spelling Bee at Montana State University March 11. Roberts secured the title in the fourth round with the word "inimical" and then "symmetrical." Second and third place winners went for two more rounds with Raydon Whalawitsa from Box Elder correctly spelled "eradicate" and Samantha Molenda from North Star correctly spelled "follicle." Independence Bank donated Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificates for the top three spellers; first place, $50, second place, $35 and third place, $20. The winners also received medals sponsored by the Hill County Superintendent of School's office.

Havre Middle School Student Kerrington Kraske competes at this year's Hill County Spelling Bee.

Pronouncer Jackie Hanson gives a student their word during the 2023 Hill County Spelling Bee Thursday.

Judges Marie Deegan, Jake Strissel and Carol Pleninger preside over the Hill County Spelling Bee Feb. 9.

Sunnyside Intermediate School Student Genevieve Lass listens for her word at the Hill County Spelling Bee held in the Havre Middle School Auditorium Thursday morning.

Pronouncer Jackie Hanson presents Raydon Whalawitsa of Box Elder Schools Second Prize at the Hill County Spelling Bee.

Samantha Molenda of North Star is presented Third Prize at Thursday's Hill County Spelling Bee.

Third Place Winner Samantha Molenda, Pronouncer Jackie Hanson, Second Place Winner Raydon Whalawitsa and First Place Winner Keyon Roberts pose for a photograph after the Hill County Spelling Bee Thursday.