The Carver Elementary annual Spelling Bee was held Jan. 18, with 30 nervous 4th and 5th graders coming out to spell their best.

"I know you’re nervous but you’ll be okay. They’re just words, they can’t hurt you," was the advice from Asst. Principal Crystal Morales.

The students were selected after a series of spelling bees in their individual classrooms. The competition was fierce, with the top five contestants hanging on till the 12th round.

Carver follows all the state’s spelling bee rules and guidelines, so the winner can continue to compete at the county, state, or even national level.

The two finalists went into a standoff during the 14th round of the competition. Victoria Barrett went head-to-head with Rachel Sheperd until she was declared the winner. Barrett will continue on to the county spelling bee and could go on to the state competition from there. If, for some reason, she cannot compete in Pembroke next month, runner up Sheperd will.