After six rounds, Crystal Colon, eighth grade, emerged as the winner when she correctly spelled equestrian.  

Crystal’s younger brother Doz Colon, sixth grade, had earlier won the spelling bee held at Westgate Middle School for the fifth and sixth grade students.  

Seventh grade students Vicki Salmons took second place and Matthew Eiseman took third.  

The three students will represent East Liverpool Junior High at the Columbiana County Spelling Bee to be held on March 7. 

Vicki Salmons, seventh grade, and Crystal Colon, eighth grade, compete for first and second place positions in the East Liverpool Junior High School Spelling Bee. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt) 

A seventh round was held between four students: Brandon Armstrong, eighth grade; Levi Rudibaugh, Memphis Hart and Kash Martin, all seventh grade, to determine the alternate.  

Brandon won that round and became the alternate when he correctly spelled chartreuse. If any of the three winners are unable to attend the county spelling bee, he will go in their place.  

The spelling bee was coordinated by John Smith, teacher, and judged by Meghan Klenotic, Deena Hunt and Lori DeMarco, all language arts teachers.  

First place winner Crystal Colon, eighth grade, looks on while second place winner Vicki Salmons, seventh grade, congratulates third place winner Matthew Eiseman during the East Liverpool Junior High School Spelling Bee. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt) 

Levi Rudibaugh, seventh grade; Brandon Armstrong, eighth grade; Memphis Hart, seventh grade; and Kash Martin, seventh grade, compete for the alternate spot during the East Liverpool Junior High School Spelling Bee.  

Brandon Armstrong, Luke Davis, Crystal Colon, (all eighth grade); Joseph Kindsvatter, Levi Rudibaugh, Matthew Eisman, Memphis Hart, Vicki Salmons, Kash Martin, Caiden Carter, Ace White, Ace Goatley and Jace Barnes all competed in the East Liverpool Junior High School Spelling Bee. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt) 

East Liverpool Junior High School Spelling Bee winners Crystal Colon, eighth grade, first place winner, Vicki Salmons, seventh grade, second place; Matthew Eiseman, seventh grade, third place and Brandon Armstrong, seventh grade, alternative, with Principal Bryian Burson. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)