After 26 rounds, Justin Bergen out-spelled the competition at Bulkley Valley Christian School's Spelling Bee on Jan. 20.
Now, Justin will go on to c-o-m-p-e-t-e at Postmedia Canspell's regionals in Prince George on Mar. 3.
Justin was last year's Bulkley Valley champion, going all the way to Nationals in Toronto. He placed 13th on the national stage.
In the closing rounds of the Bee, it was down to Justin, Garth Lester and Sarah McDonnough. Sarah was knocked out shortly after the judges moved on to the more challenging questions, ones contestants wouldn't have been able to study prior to the competition.
That left close friends Justin and Garth going head-to-head for the win.
Garth was a letter off in spelling 'gratitude', which left Justin able to swoop in for the win, who properly spelled 'imaginary' to claim the title.
As BVCS is a participating Spelling Bee school, sponsor Power Speak will provide the school a three month language coarse package. Justin, as winner, will get to choose which language will be taught through the program.