MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - A local sixth grader is the new county spelling champion. Waylon Brooks from Northfield Elementary secured first place at the 22nd Annual Read To Bee 6th Grade Spelling Bee Championship. The event took place Friday night at The Washington Theatre at Patterson Park Community Center.

Brooks outlasted 15 other students through 19 rounds of competition. He won the title by correctly spelling the word infrastructure. For his effort, he received a trophy and a $150 cash prize. Trey Hannah from Rock Springs Middle School took second place, and Brianna Perez Tena from Black Fox Elementary finished third.

Read To Succeed hosted the event with sponsorship from Redstone Federal Credit Union. Students represented schools from across Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne. RTS Executive Director Jolene Radnoti (RAD-not-ee) said the competition shows how students can challenge each other while remaining kind.

Judges for the night included representatives from Wilson Bank & Trust, Redstone Federal Credit Union, and Mikey Motors. Reverend Martha Touchton served as the official pronouncer.