MARSHFIELD — On Thursday, Jan. 22, students participated in the District Spelling Bee. Peg Geegan, principal at Washington Elementary, welcomed all the parents, family members, friends, and staff who came to show their support for each student participant.

“I’d like to congratulate each and every one of you for your hard work, diligence, and courage to stand up here and compete. Congratulations on making it this far,” Geegan said to begin the bee.

After 42 competitive rounds, Nikita Gonugunta was named the District Spelling Bee Champion. The six finalists—Gonugunta, Suhaas Bhat, Macy Perrine, Josh Grissman, Zach Iniguez, and Devin Dieringer—will represent the Unified School District of Marshfield at the Cooperative Educational Service Agency #5 Regional Spelling Bee on Feb. 10 at Washington Elementary School in Wisconsin Rapids. One winner from each regional bee will participate in the Badger State Spelling Bee.

The Kiwanis Club of Marshfield was a co-sponsor of the Spelling Bee and provided the awards given to the finalists. Members of the Kiwanis Club who assisted at the event were Peg Davis, Thom Gerretsen, Jim Bartelt, and James Alexander.

Below is a list of the winners from their respective schools who were able to compete at the District Spelling Bee.