Photo Provided Sixth-grader Kaden Haddox of Indian Creek Middle School, left, wins first place in the 40th Herald-Star Jefferson/Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee and will head to Washington, D.C., in May to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Sixth-grader Brheanna Boyles of Buckeye Local Junior High came in second place.

BRILLIANT — Top spellers in Harrison and Jefferson counties went head-to-head in the 40th Herald-Star Jefferson/Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee to decide who will represent those counties at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

The regional bee was the culmination of district spelling bees held through fall and winter. Out of the hundreds of local spellers who competed, 30 spellers from the six school districts of Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City and Toronto City took the stage at Buckeye North Elementary.

After the first 10 rounds, the bee was down to the last two spellers. The contest continued for a total of 41 rounds, when sixth-grader Kaden Haddox of Indian Creek Middle School took the lead over sixth-grader Brheanna Boyles of Buckeye Local Junior High, who came in second place.

The match was an intense one, with both students tackling some tough words, until Boyles misspelled “caducity” and Haddox correctly spelled “codswallop,” then “abscess” and won the regional bee. He will represent the area of Jefferson and Harrison counties the week of May 25-30, with the national bee May 27-29.

This marks the second time Haddox, of Steubenville, competed at the regional bee and his first time earning the number one spot. Following the bee, he was flush with excitement that accompanied his moment of victory.

“I was really nervous,” he said. “I was confident that I was going to make it far, but I didn’t know that I was going to get first.”

Haddox studied five days a week to ready himself for regionals. He will prepare for the national contest. He also intends to try for regionals and beyond in the upcoming years.

He had some advice for up-and-coming spellers: “Never give up and keep practicing.”

Kaden’s parents, Nick and Jessica Haddox, were in the audience and saw their son’s hard work pay off.

“It was a lot of time spent, and he worked very hard,” Nick said. “Going over quite a few words at a time.”

Jessica agreed.

“He’s a self-motivated kid. He studies a lot on his own in addition to assistance from us, too, so I have to hand it to him.”

Nick said they hung on every word until the moment Kaden won.

“It was very nerve wracking and very exciting, and just very proud at the end,” he said. “Very impressed with all the kids. They all did a great job. I’m just very proud of Kaden for putting the time in.”

They will be accompanying Kaden to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Jessica said this was an opportunity for him to see the sights and meet other top spellers from across and outside the nation.

“Kaden’s kind of a history buff, too, so I think he’ll just enjoy being there,” she noted.

Boyles of Connorville, a returning champion who made the D.C. trip last year, congratulated Kaden Haddox.

“I hope he enjoys it there,” she said after the match. “I wasn’t sure if I was going to win or not, but I’m still happy I tried my best.”

She also had words of encouragement for young spellers: hard work and persistence will take them far.

Ross Gallabrese, executive editor of the Herald-Star and spelling bee committee member, commended the students who made it to the regional bee. He said more than 160 words were posed to the spellers, with the two finalists taking on about 40 words in total.

“They did so well, and I think that contributes not only to them, but to all the teachers and all of the parents and all of the aunts and uncles, neighbors and friends.”

Prior to the spelling bee, he reflected on seeing students vie to earn the top spot during past years. He said each speller represents the commitment of many.

“It’s always an exciting time. The kids have really worked hard to get here, but it’s not just the kids, it’s their whole support structure,” he said. “There are a lot of nerves going on right now. I know the kids are nervous, but in the end, it always makes for a great competition.”

Jefferson County Educational Service Center Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo, who serves as coordinator of the regional bee, thanked the district spelling bee coordinators for preparing the students. He thanked Buckeye North Elementary for hosting the regional bee.

“I really want to thank the people that are working in the district,” he said before the bee’s opening. “They do a lot of work behind the scenes to get them ready.”

He noted how students benefit from competing in the bees.

“This is good for them to get out in front of their peers and get in front of their family, friends and other folks in a competitive atmosphere.”

Sismondo thanked the sponsors, adding their investment in the future makes the spelling bee possible. The organization is entirely volunteer, and sponsors can be assured that every dollar they donate goes directly to the students. Anyone interested in a sponsorship can contact him at 740-283-3347, ext. 152, or visit jcesc.k12.oh.us/Default.aspx.