A young speaker confidently holding a microphone, smiling while interacting with an audience member.
Phoenix Newell of The Riverside School in Lyndonville wins the Vermont State Competition of the National Spelling Bee in Middlebury on Thursday. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

There’s a new Vermont spelling bee champion.

With the word “utilitarian,” Riverside School student Phoenix Newell, 12, of Kirby, clinched the first place win at the Vermont State Scripps Spelling Bee at Middlebury College on Thursday afternoon. Tatum Raphael, 13, of Vergennes, came in second.

Newell placed third in last year’s competition, having been defeated by two-time champion Elise Cournoyer from Camels Hump Middle School.

Now, Newell heads to the national spelling bee in May in Washington, D.C. 

A person standing while speaking before a seated group in an indoor setting.
A person stands in a room expressing emotion with their hand on their face, as onlookers watch from seated positions.
A speaker addressing an attentive audience, with focus on a woman in the center who is listening intently.
A young person holds a microphone and stands to address an audience, while children look on with attentive expressions.
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A woman looking surprised or concerned in a crowded room.
A young girl speaks into a microphone during a group discussion as other participants listen.
Silhouetted individuals wearing sunglasses in a backlit setting.
Young girl holding a microphone, looking pensive in a room with people.

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