The tension and excitement were intense as 16 students competed fiercely for the top two spots to advance to the district spelling bee. Each speller had already demonstrated their skills by winning in their classrooms and excelling in the National Scripps School Spelling Bee. When the contest concluded, fifth grader Anthony Riola secured second place, while eighth grader Noah Balmores claimed the top spot. Both will move on to represent their school in the district spelling bee at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on February 6. A big mahalo to our pronouncer, Margaret Sanchez, Chancellor at KCC, and to our esteemed judges, Dr. Llewellyn Young, Superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools, and Captain Brett Stevenson, Commanding Officer at PMRF.