Register Staff Writer

During the 14th round of the Wabash County Spelling Bee, 8th-grader Erica Bramlet closed the competition with one word: "Duet."

The Mt. Carmel Middle School student correctly spelled "ballast" - the first word given in the final round - over 8th-grader Lindsay Newkirk of St. Mary's School to get the winning word and claim the title. Bramlet, one of six students who competed Monday night, is now eligible to go to the Tri-State Spelling Bee on March 12 at Central High School in Evansville. If she wins that competition, she will be eligible to compete in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May, according to the Regional Office of Education.

The other student from MCMS, 8th-grader Emily Wood, was out during the first round, and 7th-grader Sara Keepes of St. Mary's School followed during the fifth round. Allendale Elementary School students Megan Bray (7th grade) was out in the 11th round and Kristen Marcotte (8th grade) was out in the 13th round, leaving Newkirk and Bramlet in the final round.

The champion and 1st runner-up from Allendale Elementary School, MCMS and St. Mary's School competed Monday night. Wood, who was 2nd runner-up in the MCMS Spelling Bee, competed in place of 1st runner-up Tyler Browning, 8th grade.

The Wabash County Spelling Bee was sponsored by the Regional Office of Education.