 The Bemidji School District has a new Spelling Bee Champion. Fifth grader Hayden Fisher took home the crown at the 34th annual Spelltacular. This year the Spelling Bee had 13 finalists from grades 5 through 8. The Spelling Bee went 10 rounds before Hayden won by spelling the word clavicle. She says her strategy was to practice spelling whenever possible, which is always a good strategy, and whenever she went. And wherever she went. I went to the cities over the weekend, and I practiced on the way back and there. And I did practice that night too, and a couple nights before the weekend. I try to have them take a couple of deep breaths before they start because they're very, very nervous, but they're all good spellers, and they're confident in that task or that skill that they have. So it's fun to see them perform. The top four spellers of this bee will now head off to the Thief River Falls. I should say, to compete in the regional bee, that is scheduled for February 8th. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.