By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

ISABELLA — Madison Rhodes spelled her way to victory at Isabella High School on Jan. 13.

Her wining word was “infuriating.”

Madison, a fifth-grade student, said it felt “good” to win and was excited about competing in the countywide spelling bee on Feb. 21.

In preparation for the schoolwide spelling bee, Madison spent months practicing words from the study guide with her mother.

If Madison is unable to attend the countywide event, runner-up Logan Burch, a fifth-grade student, will take her place.

“I wasn’t really expecting to come in as the runner up,” Logan said. “I’m glad I did.”

Logan said he had studied to prepare, but did not know all of the words on the practice list.

“I just gave it my best, and I got lucky,” Logan said.

The annual school spelling bee began with 13 students from fourth through eighth grade. Isabella held the spelling bee in the auditorium with the rest of the students watching.

Chrystie Mims, English teacher, said students sign up for and participate in practice rounds to determine if this is something they really want to do.

“Some of them get a little intimidated and drop out, and some of them get really excited and stick with it,” Mims said.

During the schoolwide spelling bee, the opening word was “mad.” The difficulty level increased with each round.

Mims said she was proud of all of the participants.

“It’s a lot of pressure when you get up here for the spelling bee,” Mims said. “It takes a lot of courage, a lot of perseverance.”

The countywide spelling bee will be held at the LeCroy Technical Career Center