Shenali DeSilva, right, finished in third place in the Southeast Service Cooperative Regional Spelling Bee finals on Feb. 24, but she did not advance in the competition. Her family was happy and proud of her achievement. The spelling bees are held in about 40 districts with over 60,000 students participating. Shenali finished sixth last year and third this year, and is looking forward to her final year of eligibility next year. Photo provided