Warren County’s District Spelling Bee played out like a game of chess, with “bishop” taking the win.

Kelsi Caten, a sixth-grader at Warren County Middle School, made the final and successful move and brought 22 rounds to an end. 

“I’m very excited,” said Kelsi, an energetic 11-year-old. “I love spelling. It’s fun.”

Coming in second place was Hickory Creek fifth-grader Keaton Jones, who faced off with Kelsi in the final seven rounds. He was unsuccessful with “ferry” and she succeeded with “Tuesday.” She was given “bishop” as a championship word. 

Kelsi was also successful in: floor, savor, preened, contraption, alley, sleet, poach, bulldoze, fleeing, telltale, deposit, crisis, inkling, rental, freelance, costume, and miscast, among others.

“I was hoping that I would not be given Chaucerian or bivouac,” said Kelsi. “I’m not good with silent letters, but I’m confident that I would have gotten them. I studied a lot.”

She credited a strong family support group, two best friends, and her ELA teacher Jessica Scott with helping her train. 

Contestants were provided a list of words to study. However, all youngsters did so well that the list was exhausted by the eighth round. Unstudied words were then used.

Taking third place was Irving College eighth-grader Rylan Corley. “Hectic” stopped her advancement. Fourth place went to West Elementary fifth-grader Samuel Wheatley. He stumbled on “picnicking.” 

Also representing their schools were Morrison Elementary student Charlotte Saldana, Dibrell Elementary student Chance Whitlock, Eastside Elementary student Kingston Judkins and Centertown Elementary student Kate Gribble. 

Kelsi’s prize as this year’s winner is a Chromebook, an item hugged tightly upon receiving it. She advances to the regional spelling bee, which will be administered online. 

The district competition was held at Warren County Middle School.