The annual Knights of Columbus local chapter spelling bee was held Saturday morning, February 20th at the Odd Fellows Hall in Waterloo.  After an impressive demonstration of spelling skills, the winner was finally determined in the 17th round.

Courtney Jost, an 8th grader from Waterloo Junior High School won the contest by correctly spelling the word "infatuation" in the 17th round.   Courtney will get a chance to compete at the regional meet at a date soon to be announced.  Courtney also wins a $100 US Savings Bond for her effort.

2nd place finisher Ian Boyer-Edwards, an 8th grader from Columbia Middle School battled alone with Jost for five rounds, finally missing the word "palatable." 

3rd place finisher Ian Ericson, a 7th grader from Immaculate Conception School made it into the 11th round, but went out on the word "financier."

Congratulations to all those who participated in this Event
Nine competitors made up this year's field:
Winner Courtney Jost, grade 8 from Waterloo Junior High School 2nd Place finisher Ian Boyer-Edwards, grade 8 from Columbia Middle School 3rd Place finisher Ian Ericson, grade 7 from Immaculate Conception School Lauren Schmidt, grade 6 from Immaculate Conception School Danielle Poepper, grade 7 from Saints Peter & Paul School Kaylee Dependahl, grade 8 from Valmeyer Junior High School Marissa Phillips, grade 7 from Valmeyer Junior High School Caleb Buchanan, grade 6 from Valmeyer Junior High School Michelle Sydow, grade 8 from Immaculate Conception School