For sixth grader Luke Turner, experience came into play as he won the 2018 Thorsby School Spelling Bee.

Turner’s victory is a redemption of sorts and comes a year after missing a word while among the final three contestants.

The ability to finish the job this time around makes the win even more special for Turner.

“I knew how it works,” Turner said. “It feels real good.”

Having been in a spelling bee before, Turner knew what to expect, which allowed him to concentrate solely on spelling words and not get caught up in the moment of being on stage.

The championship word was “chapel,” which Turner correctly spelled to punctuate a flawless performance.

Turner spells a word during a round of competition. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

Elizabeth Cochran finished in second place and would have gotten a second chance in the championship round had Turner misspelled his word.

Cochran is in the fourth grade and it was her first time competing in a spelling bee.

The competition included 14 participants and went nine rounds prior to setting the stage for the championship round.

“I was thinking that I’m so nervous, but I probably have a smile so large,” Cochran said.

Leading up to the spelling bee Turner studied words with his brother Aiden, who also competed.

Both Turner and Cochran received trophies to mark their accomplishment. Turner locked up a spot in the county spelling bee on Feb. 2, where he will represent Thorsby.