Iola Middle School put the finishing touches on what has become something of a M-O-N-O-P-O-L-Y at the Allen County Spelling Bee.
Eighth-grader Brynna Jelinek brought home the crown Tuesday, correctly spelling “tectonic” to earn a berth in the upcoming Sunflower State Spelling Bee March 21 in Salina.
She had to contend with a couple of familiar faces to win.
Jelinek’s classmate, Selby Blankenship, the 2025 county bee champ, wound up in second place this time around.
Meanwhile, the third IMS competitor, Leanna Flory, came in third. Flory was the county champ in 2024.
This is the final year the trio is eligible for the spelling bee competitions.
