The Learn to Read Council council hosted the 27th Pat Waybright/Sue Vice Spelling Bee March 9, at the Athens Middle School cafeteria, and school-based teams swept the competition.

Six teams of three from organizations such as the Athens Lions Club, Department of Human Resources, Sassy Seniors and Trustmark Bank competed against one another to win the first place prize. According to Learn to Read, this bee was quite the challenge, saying that it took six rounds to see the first elimination.

The top team was representing St. Paul Catholic School and composed of Janet Kenny, Kathy Wells and Patsy Kobs. The runners up were Katelyn Hargrave, Dawn Hargrave and B.J. Waddell with Athens Bible School.

“It took five rounds and some additional words added to the list before St. Paul spelled their word ‘Carlisle’ and the word missed by ABS ‘Edinburgh’ in the 19th round and were pronounced the winners! Congratulations to all,” Learn to Read said in a post on Facebook.

The spelling bee was accompanied by a silent auction.