Trojan Elementary students locked horns in a battle of wits and wisdom Friday as 24 youths competed for bragging rights in the school’s annual spelling bee.

The field of competitors was halved after the first two rounds, leaving those still standing to duke it out over the next several turns. When the dust settled, 11-year-old Desmond Burnett, a fifth-grader, stood proudly on stage as he was named the winner of this year’s spelling bee.

Burnett snagged the title after properly spelling the winning word, “giggle.” In total, students ran through 82 words during the academic competition. After winning, Burnett said he was excited and still a little shaky, and attributed his performance to simply paying attention in the classroom. Burnett will represent Trojan Elementary at the Miami County Spelling Bee in Louisburg on Feb. 3. Fifth-grader Skylar Richards came in second behind Burnett, and will serve as his alternate in case he is unable to compete at the county bee. A representative from Osawatomie Middle School will be chosen when the building holds its own spelling bee Friday.

Officiating the event for yet another year was Osawatomie Public Library Director Elizabeth Trigg. The event has become something to look forward to in January for Trigg and an opportunity for her to help academically-talented students step into the spotlight.

“I like the fact, first of all, that they’re brave enough to get up on stage in front of everyone,” Trigg said.

“I like to share in their success. When they’re happy, I’m happy.”