(KMZA )--The Nemaha County Spelling Bee was held on Saturday at the Nemaha County Community Building in Seneca.

Five area schools competed in the event sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Society International. 

The winning word was PETRIFYING.

The first place winner was Josiah Richardson, a 7th Grader at Sabetha Middle School. Josiah is the son of Nicolas and Rachel Richardson

The second place winner was Braxten Cain, a 7th grader at Sts. Peter and Paul School in Seneca.  Braxten is the son of Kevin and Tricia Cain.

As the winner of the Nemaha County Spelling Bee, Richardson will now compete in the state spelling bee in March sponsored by the Kansas Press Association.