(KAIR)--Paparazzi was the word that sealed the win at this years Atchison County Spelling Bee. 

More than 40 students from Atchison County's elementary and middle schools competed Tuesday in the countywide event. 

According to a release from pronouncer Neil Wieland and Tyler Lueckenhoff, USD 409 Activities Director who emceed the competition, it took place at Atchison County Middle School and stretched through 26 highly contested rounds. 

Seventh grader Anthony Muller from Saint Benedict Catholic School earned the title of county spelling champion by correctly spelling the word paparazzi.  Muller will now advance to the Kansas State Spelling Bee on March 21st at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. 

Finishing as runnerup was Emilia Stadthagen also a seventh grader at SBCS. Photo of winners credit:USD 409 Activities Director Tyler Lueckenhoff

Judges included Victoria Grable an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher at Atchison Middle School and Diane Liebsch retired administrator and teacher.