Feb 24

Feb 24 Rochester 8th grader headed to DC for the National Spelling Bee

(THE MED CITY BEAT) - An eighth grade student from Rochester Catholic Schools will travel to Washington, D.C. this May to compete in the 88th Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Christine Farnberg won the regional contest in Rochester on Tuesday by correctly spelling the word "Appalachian," according to organizers. Christine was also the local champion in 2013, and the second runner-up in 2014.

In addition to a trophy, Christine receives an all-inclusive trip to the nation's capital courtesy of the Southeast Service Cooperative, which sponsors the local spelling competition.

Teresa Nowakowski, an 8th grade student from Rochester Catholic Schools, was the first runner-up. Shenali DeSilva, a 7th grade student from Pacelli Catholic Schools, finished in third place.

More than 10 million students across the U.S. compete in the event every year, according to Scripps. The national finals have been aired on ESPN every year since 1994.

The only student from Minnesota to win the national competition was 13-year-old Sean Conley of Anoka back in 2001. Sean won the competition by correctly spelling the word "succedaneum."