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By Alan Chamberlain | February 5, 2016 2:26 pm

New Kent Middle School seventh grader Noelle Kruger (at the microphone) anticipates her next word while New Kent Elementary School fifth grader Kendall Hicks awaits her turn during the final rounds of Friday's New Kent County Public Schools annual Spelling Bee. Nine grade group spelling champions started the competition, which came down to Noelle and Kendall vying for the crown. Noelle won the event by correctly spelling "discern" in the 10th round. Kendall finished as runner-up. Noelle advances to the regional bee scheduled for March 12 at the Library of Virginia in Richmond.

Alan Chamberlain photo