Marc Alcantara (right) and David Advincula topped the field in Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary School’s Spelling Bee.

LAHAINA – Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School recently held its first School Spelling Bee for fourth- and fifth-graders.

Sixteen fourth and fifth grade classroom champions and runner-ups competed in the event in the cafeteria in front of their classmates and parents.

After about an hour of spelling words, Marc Alcantara, a fourth-grader from Ms. Kukahiko’s class, was crowned the School Spelling Bee champion.

David Advincula, a fourth-grader from Mr. Brandsen’s class, was the runner-up.

Fifth-graders Alilia Liu (Ms. Nelson’s class) and Kaylee-Marie Zimmerman (Mr. Arnold’s class) finished third and fourth, respectively.

Each student that participated received an official Scripps Spelling Bee participation certificate and gift bag from the PTA.

Liu received the “Best Enunciation” certificate.

Marc and David are now preparing for the District Spelling Bee that will be held at Baldwin High School on Thursday, Feb. 2.

The two top spellers at the district event will advance to the State Spelling Bee in March.

“Good luck to Marc and David, and congratulations to all of our School Spelling Bee participants,” noted Cheryl Nelson of Princess Nahi’ena’ena School. “They are all winners!”