Photo by Scott McCloskey

The Martins Ferry City School District held its annual spelling bee Wednesday at the middle school’s gymnasium. 24 students in grades fifth through eighth participated in the event. Pictured, holding their trophies following the event, are first place winner, Jacob Theaker and second place winner Maddie Tingler, both of fifth grade. They both will go on to compete in the Belmont County Spelling Bee at 7 p.m., Feb. 6, at Ohio University Eastern. The winner from that event will receive a trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The spelling bee sponsors include The Times Leader, Belmont Savings Bank, Airport Limousine, Uniglobe/Ohio Valley Travel and East Central Ohio Educational Service Center.