Hart wins Southern Local spelling bee

Three students advance to Columbiana County competition after February 4 event in Salineville.

Patricia Smith, left, Knighton Hart and Lizzie Pirogowicz were named top spellers after six rounds of competition .

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Published February 12, 2026 - 3:39 p.m.

Three students were named top spellers after six rounds of competition at the Southern Local School District Spelling Bee Feb. 4.

Eighteen students in grades five through eight participated in the event in the Southern Local Elementary School gym. Sixth-grader Knighton Hart, son of Jeannie Raya of Salineville, won the bee after correctly spelling “pentagon.”

Seventh-grader Patricia Smith of Salineville placed second, and sixth-grader Lizzie Pirogowicz of Lisbon finished third.

The three will advance to the Columbiana County Spelling Bee at 9:30 a.m. March 7 at Beaver Local High School for a chance to qualify for the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, scheduled for May 26-28 in Washington, D.C.

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