WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioThe Vindicator crowns Spelling Bee winner!

The Vindicator crowns Spelling Bee winner!

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Sixty eight students took part in The Vindicator Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday.

The event provided suspense as students spelled words correctly or were eliminated from the competition.

The Vindicator has been bringing the competition to our region for decades. "It's a wonderful event. We're very proud to be able to do this for 78 years," said Nena Perkins, coordinator for The Vindicator Spelling Bee.

The grand champion, Lauren Ritz of New Castle, will take part in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in June. She attends Willow Creek Learning Center in Poland.

The Vindicator will pay for transportation and hotel accommodations.