Kena Bere, left, won first place and Audrey Dennison was runner-up in the Lincoln Elementary District 27 spelling bee on Thursday. The two students competed with over 40 others, with an audience of students, parents and teachers cheering their victory.

District 27 spelling bee has a champion [May 13, 2011]  The Lincoln Elementary District 27 spelling bee was on Thursday afternoon at Lincoln Junior High, with 43 participants in the event. The fourth- through sixth-grade students hailed from LJHS, Washington-Monroe, Central and Northwest elementary schools. The first-place winner was Kena Bere from LJHS. Runner-up was Audrey Dennison from Central School.

Kena was excited about winning, but it came with some tense moments. Studying a list of words and in English class with other students made her feel confident, but still cautious about the outcome. 

"I get anxious when the person next to me has a turn," Kena said, "because I know I will be next. I wonder how I'll do and if I'll get to stay in the bee."

Kena will advance to the Logan County competition with first-place winners from other districts.

[By MARLA BLAIR]