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Chisago Lakes Middle School seventh grader Ali Fuller earned a first place finish in one of two rounds at the Regional Spelling Bee Feb. 21 in St. Cloud.

Fuller correctly spelled the word efficacy to capture first place in the afternoon session of the bee, which lasted 22 rounds and used 133 words.

Students were divided into two sessions for the bee; first and second place finishers in both sessions were named. Each winner received a dictionary and a trophy for their efforts.

The top four spellers from two Spelling Bees will advance to the Multi-Region State Spelling Bee on Tuesday, March 11 at the Holiday Inn, St. Cloud.

Also advancing to the State Spelling Bee are Christina Huling from Annandale, Peter Doyle from Rocori and Matt Schultz from St. Michael-Albertville.

Fuller is the daughter of Wendy and Brian Fuller of Lindstrom. She advanced to the regional contest after winning the local Spelling Bee Feb. 4 at Chisago Lakes High School.

The winner from the Multi-Regional Bee will attend the Scripps National Spelling Bee, May 29-30, 2008 along with a parent/guardian.  

The Regional Spelling Bees are coordinated by Sandra Cordie, Director of Educational Programs at Resource Training & Solutions.  Cordie also serves as co-coordinator for the Multi-Regional State Bee.

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