LaShauntis Bowers, an eighth grader at Ebenezer Middle School, was crowned spelling bee champ. Bowers correctly spelled “mermaid” and “innocent” to win.

Taylor Anderson, a sixth grader at Ebenezer Middle, was second and Taylor Ross, a seventh grader at EMS, as third.

Bowers was the first speller and the last speller in the competition. She received a $75 check from the Georgia Association of Educators, the official sponsors of the district and state spelling bees.

Anderson received a check for $50 and Ross received a check for $25. They also received certificates — as did all participants, including alternates — and they will receive a trophy in May during their end-of-year awards program.