WYOMING – Bright young minds gathered for the annual school spelling bees at LaBarge and Big Piney elementary schools on Thursday, Feb. 25.

Third-grader Samuel Kartak won the championship at LBES. Kartak is in Cody Boyer’s class and is the son of Kane and Viviana Kartak of LaBarge.

Fifth-grader Phoebe Jones came in second place. Phoebe Jones is in Bailey Headrick’s class and is the daughter of Sarah and Aaron Jones of LaBarge.

Fifth-grader Matazie Jones won the BPES championship. Matazie Jones is in Jeanne Davis’ class and is the daughter of Ashley and Nick Jones. Fifth-grader Kendall Forrester and fourth-grader Shonee Bingham tied for second place. Forrester is in Davis’ class and is the daughter of Dawn and Matthew Forrester. Bingham is in Christie Willford’s class and is the daughter of Keith and Mardy Sleight.

The talented spellers will advance to the Wyoming State Spelling Bee on March 20. The event will be held via an online platform.