Thursday, January 12, 2023 -- Five students from across the Mountain Brook school district gathered on Thursday morning to compete in the annual district Spelling Bee. Mountain Brook Elementary's Owen Ward came away as the winner in the 13th round spelling "benefitted" as his championship word.

Cherokee Bend's Crosby Long finished in second place. Other contestants included Bo Stallcup (Crestline Elementary), Campbell Eason (Brookwood Forest Elementary), and Emelia White (Mountain Brook Junior High).

"We're very proud of each of these contestants and the way they represented not only themselves but also their school," District Spelling Bee Coordinator, Lanie Kent said.

Each individual won their respective school's Spelling Bee during the fall semester to earn a spot in the district bee.

2023 Spelling Bee Pronouncer: Dr. Lisa Beckham

Judges: Dr. Susan Cole, Cory Morris, and Rachel Weingartner