Varun Kumar, a seventh-grader from Pinecrest Academy, in Cumming, was the champion for the second year running at the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee.

Kumar came out on top after 90 minutes of competition and more than 150 words. He correctly spelled “pangolin.”

Placing second was Olivia Nottoli from St. Joseph School, in Marietta, with Elisabeth Michelson from St. Jude the Apostle School, Sandy Springs, placing third in the competition.

Each Catholic elementary school hosted a local spelling bee to select a winner to represent the school at the archdiocesan bee. The event matches the rules of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The competition had student representatives from 20 schools.  The competitors ranged in age from fifth to eighth grade. They gathered at the Chancery on Tuesday, Jan. 28, hours before the ice and snow nearly shut down the community. It was one of many events held to celebrate Catholic Schools Week.

The panel of judges included Brian Hutcheson, from Our Lady of Mercy High School, Terry Sides, from St. Pius X High School, and Brian Marks from Blessed Trinity High School. The pronouncer of the words was Eric McNaughton from Marist School and Denise Cress from Pinecrest Academy helped the Office of Catholic Schools host the event.