By SUSAN MARSHALL

Staff writer

Kael Hutchison approached spelling the word that would make him winner of the PBES spelling bee with as much caution as he might if he actually came upon a “rattler.”

Hutchison paused and asked to have the word repeated. Then he paused again to as if to ponder it a bit, said the word back to the table of judges, and took the plunge.

“R-a-t-t-l-e-r, rattler,” he said, and blew out a breath of air in relief as judge Pam Carter said, “Correct.”

Sixteen fourth- and fifth-grade students participated in the spelling bee at PBES Jan. 15.

Finalists were: First — Kael Hutchison, second — Lexi Davis, and third — Ciara Frye, all fifth-grade students. They will represent PBES at Goessel Friday for the Marion County competition.