LEITCHFIELD -- On Saturday, February 23, students from grades 4 through 8 competed in the Annual Grayson County Spelling Bee. The spellers represented Leitchfield Christian Academy, Saint Paul Catholic School and Grayson County Schools. They became eligible to compete in the county-wide contest by winning school spelling bees.

Steve Turner of radio station K-105, was the Emcee and pronouncer for the event held in the auditorium of the Grayson County Middle School. Brandon Cook, a seventh grader at Grayson County Middle School corrected the spelling of "cocoon" and correctly spelled "anguished" to become the 2002 Champion of the 7th/8th grade division.

The win entitles Cook to represent Grayson County in the Kentucky Derby Festival Spelling Bee to be held at the Seelbach Hilton in Louisville next month. Kentucky Farm Bureau sponsors the state level contest. Brandon is the son of Randy and Theresa Cook and has been a participant in the local spelling bee in previous years. His Language Arts teacher is Rita Blake. Other top finishers were: Allison Cantway, daughter of Scottie and Marla Cantway. She took second place in the 7th/8th grade division. Nathan Pannell took third in the same category. He is the son of Donnie and Sibbie Pannell.

In the 6th grade division first place went to Stephen Miller, son of Leron and Pam Miller. Second place went to Kristi Henning, daughter of Juanita Reams and Glen Henning. Third place went to Jackie Higdon, daughter of Norris and Mona Higdon.

In the 5th grade division first place went to Andrew Clark, son of Kevin and Paula Clark. Second place was won by Bethany Whitworth, daughter of Gloria Davis and Steve Whitworth. Third place was awarded to Ali Alvey, daughter of Bill and Debbie Alvey.

In the 4th grade division first place was won by Tyler Lewis, son of Caryn Lewis. Second place went to James Burns, son of Mary and Johnny Sanders. Third place went to Renae Mantooth.