Leah Rini, an eighth-grade student from Beekmantown Central School, was named the Grand Champion of the Regional Spelling Bee for the third year in a row. The competition, held at Beekmantown Central School, featured 38 students from 16 schools across nine districts in the Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) region. Rini, who also won the Grade 8 Championship, will represent the region at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., thanks to donations from local businesses. The runner-up was 5th grader Skye Lamoureux from Beekmantown, while other grade-level champions included Owen Scott, Mason Peck, and Liam Schule. CVES praised Rini’s dedication and perseverance, and the Beekmantown district will host next year’s regional bee in celebration of her victory.