YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The word yesteryear may not mean much to you, but for one Boardman 7th grader it meant a trip to Washington DC in May.

Annabelle Day out spelled over 50 other students and spelled yesteryear to win the 81st Annual Vindicator Regional Spelling Bee.

Annabelle represented Willow Creek Learning Center.

The competition this year was different from previous years in that the competitors had to learn more than just the spelling of the words.

"If you want to go on to the final bee, not only do you have to know how to spell but you have to know the definition. I think you need to know this no matter what. I think it's important to have a command of the language, especially in job search and just in communication," said Nena Perkins from The Vindicator.

The Vindicator will pay Annabelle's way to Washington DC in May where she gets the chance to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.