Madi Cooley, Olivia Edgin and Cate Drane compete in the Trinity Episcopal School Spelling Bee Thursday in Natchez. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Fifth-grader Caleb Daugherty begins to laugh as he steps up to the microphone. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

From left, Charlie Vess, Kala Miller and Patty Carnette listen and judge the Trinity Episcopal School Spelling Bee. Students from fourth grade to eighth grade competed in the competition. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)