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The Salem Junior High School Spelling Bee was held at the high school Tuesday after being delayed by the recent severe winter weather conditions. While 17 students were initially registered to compete, the field was narrowed to 14 by absences. The top 10 spellers will compete against the top 10 spellers from Southeast Elementary in the Salem City Spelling Bee on Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the high school auditorium. From left, front row, Jacob Capaldi, Audrianna Vance, Peyton Summers, Logan Smith, Natalie Devine, Jayce Fairchild, Greyson Carroll, Aaliyah Catania; back row, Jessica Johnston, Noah Rigby, Ray Rowlands, McKayLynn Cox, Peyton Jackson and Simon Wilgohs. The first round saw the most eliminations, with eight of the 14 competitors eliminated. The first elimination was drawn by the second word of the spelling bee with an incorrect attempt to spell "convulsively." Eventual winner Jessica Johnson and first runner-up Noah Rigby competed one-on-one for 12 straight rounds over the course of nearly 30 minutes. Johnson ultimately won the spelling be in the 17th round, correctly spelling "quartz" after Rigby unsuccessfully attempted to spell "potency." (Photo by Morgan Ahart)