STRASBURG Eighth-grader Josie Lautenschleger, 14, was named champion of the Strasburg Local School district spelling bee held in the cafetorium. Lautenschleger is the daughter of David and Susan Lautenschleger of Strasburg.

STRASBURG Eighth-grader Josie Lautenschleger, 14, was named champion of the Strasburg Local School district spelling bee, held in the cafetorium. Lautenschleger is the daughter of David and Susan Lautenschleger of Strasburg.

Joe Fischer, 13, a seventh-grader, was runner-up. Fischer is the son of Joe and Kim Fischer of Strasburg.

Lautenschleger spelled “taxidermy” and then correctly spelled “propaganda” to win the championship.

The bee lasted 11 rounds. Twenty-three students in grades fifth-through-eighth participated. Fifth- grader -Rylee Becker was third and eighth-grader Ella Pumphry was fourth.

High school/middle school principal Adam Hall served as master of ceremonies. Rachel Ripley, high school English teacher, was the pronouncer.  Judges were Carisa Pryor and Samantha Raber, both middle school teachers, and Sarah Henry, elementary teacher.

Lautenschleger will participate in The Repository Regional Grand Final Spelling Bee at 1:30 p.m. March 3 at the Glen Oak High School Theater in Canton.

BARB LIMBACHER