First Annual Alameda Spelling Bee, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015

The official dictionary

Chuck Kapelke sets up, trophies - Photo by Eric J. Kos

Chairs await the judges, head speller

Head Speller, University of San Francisco Economics Professor, Michael Jonas

The written test separated the field, determining the top 31 spellers among the 60 or so entrants. Photo by Eric J. Kos

The written test

Michael Jonas administers the written test. Let's see you spell laryngitis.

The 31 semifinalists take their seats. Spellers were seated in alphabetical order. Photo by Eric J. Kos

Chuck Kapelke explains how the oral portion of the bee works. Photo by Eric J. Kos

And so it begins...

All of the spellers were very brave and handled the situation with aplomb.

Stand and...

deliver.

Spellers were respectful of each other.

Spellers lined up two at a time at the mic.

Spellers were allowed a chance to write out the word to help them find the correct spelling. Photo by Eric J. Kos

Judges Eric J. Kos and Julia Park Tracey with Head Speller Michael Jonas.

Inevitably, empty chairs began appearing as incorrect spellers left the stage.

Lavanya Kumar finished sixth overall.

Dylan McGrew, foreground, finished fifth overall.

Soon the vacancies became quite obvious. Ella Banchieri, standing, finished fourth overall.

And the field narrowed to the final two spellers: Hazel Purins (left) and Brenden Dalipe.

Brenden took the opportunity to write out the word "atrophy."

Notice a podium was added a few spellers in to make it easier for them. Not that any speller seemed to mind flopping onto the ground previously to use the paper and pencil provided.

Brenden misspelled atrophy.

Hazel stepped in and spelled atrophy correctly...

... and then delicatessen for the win.

Hazel Purins, Spelling Bee Champion

Left to right, Alameda’s best spellers: Hazel Purins, first place, fifth grade, Otis Elementary; Dylan McGrew, fifth place, sixth grade, Academy of Alameda; Ella Banchieri, fourth place, fourth grade, Edison Elementary; Liam Hofmann, third place, fifth grade, Earhart Elementary; Brenden Dalipe, second place, fifth grade, Bay Farm Elementary and alternate Lavanya Kumar, sixth grade, Wood Middle.