ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Drake Finnicum will visit Washington, D.C., to compete in the national finals after taking home first place in the 37th annual Belmont County Spelling Bee on Thursday evening.

After nine rounds competing against champions from school districts across the county and with only two of the original 18 students left on stage, the Bellaire Middle School eighth-grader secured the victory by correctly spelling the words “codswallop” and “psychoanalysis.”

Conner Wilson, a seventh-grader at Shadyside Middle School, is this year’s runner-up and the county alternate to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Wilson was eliminated after incorrectly spelling the word “histrionics.”

Finnicum will compete in the Scripps contest on May 28.

As the first place winner, Finnicum was also awarded a $500 cash prize, a trophy, a Merriam-Webster Unabridged Online Certificate, The Samuel Louis Sugarman Award, a plaque with the two winning words for display at his school, a traveling trophy for the school, a one-year subscription to the Britannica Online Premium, as well as a trip to the national bee for himself, a parent and a teacher or coach.

“I’m so happy,” Finnicum said Thursday after the county competition ended.

This was Finnicum’s fourth year at the county bee.

“We’re very proud of him,” Finnicum’s mother, Stacie Finnicum, said, adding that her son is “very smart” and learning comes naturally to him. “He hardly ever studies. … We’ll study for about three weeks and be done for the year.”

Spelling bee officials agreed that Finnicum is a bright student who has a promising future ahead of him.

“That young man is going to be president someday,” Lisa Duvall, associate pronouncer and director of referral and community partnerships at Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents, said.

Finnicum’s father, Jeff Finnicum, said he was impressed by his son’s performance.

“I crossed my fingers so hard I was surprised I didn’t snap them. He amazed me tonight,” he said.

Drake Finnicum said he is very excited to go to Washington, D.C., in May even though he is already going there on his eighth grade field trip in April.

Wilson will serve as the county alternate to the national bee and will travel to Washington, D.C., if Finnicum cannot attend. She received a $250 cash prize, a second-place trophy and a Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary.

Elizabeth Fulton, an eighth-grader at East Richland Christian School, took home third place, which came with $150 and a trophy.

Bryden Volan, an eighth-grader at Martins Ferry Middle School, secured fourth place and received $100 and a trophy.

The remaining 14 finalists received a certificate to be redeemed for $50 each, ribbons, certificates and bee bobbleheads. Those contestants included Alex Norman, Jeremiah Wallace, Jackson Demko, Mason Kiene, Xander Livingston, Aubrey Allar, Ryan Bowman, Brett Kuprowicz, Bentely Newland, Blake Brown, Esme’e Henry, Olivia Bober, Rylee Collins and Trinity Garrett.

All cash prizes were provided by Belmont Savings Bank, and Bordas & Bordas provided the Fat Apple “Golden Ticket” award, $20 gift certificates for The Fat Apple Bakery, for all finalists. The Ohio River Valley Elks provided the bee bobbleheads.

Finnicum congratulated all of the other spellers as they received their awards.

This year’s Belmont County Spelling Bee sponsors include The Times Leader, Belmont Savings Bank, Bordas & Bordas, Airport Limousine Service, Uniglobe Travel, East Central Ohio Educational Service Center and the Ohio River Valley Elks.

“We at The Times Leader are thrilled to make this opportunity possible for students across Belmont County each and every year,” Jennifer Compston-Strough, managing editor, said after the event. “Congratulations to Drake Finnicum and to all of this year’s participants!”

Jacob Theaker, Belmont County’s spelling bee champion for 2022 and 2023, spoke to the spellers before the bee started. He wished them good luck and encouraged them to relax and take their time while spelling.

“Just remember, no matter what happens, you all earned your way here. Be proud of yourself no matter what,” he said.

Lisa Burrell, coordinator of gifted programs at East Central Ohio Educational Service Center, gave the opening remarks at the bee. She provided the spellers with some words of encouragement.

“You are amazing young people with a bright future ahead. You are awesome,” she said.