Fifth grader Noah White and sixth grader Austin Ladd are top spellers at Phillips Elementary School. (Jasmine Smith photo, school photographer) PHILLIPS — “Patience” was the key in the Spelling Bee held last week at the Phillips Elementary School. Bee Master and ELA teacher, Margaret Nerney put two representatives from each grade, 5 through 8, through their paces as the eight spellers vied for the honor of being named School Champion and moving on to the upcoming district competition.

All but two spellers were eliminated in the first round. Fifth grader Noah White and sixth grader Austin Ladd continued on through six more rounds in a neck and neck contest for first place.

Austin Ladd finally earned the 2010 title by correctly spelling larynx and patience after Noah misspelled supplement.

The other class champs were: Kaelie Ricker, grade 5; Brook James, grade 6; Damien Cochran and Tristan Frye, grade 7; and Angelica Levy and David Ricker, grade 8.