Central Middle School seventh-grader Joy-Den Wilson, 13, took home the regional champion title in the 49th annual Richmond Times-Dispatch Spelling Bee on Thursday, March 9.

Wilson correctly spelled “barometer,” defeating runner-up Abby Murphy, a seventh-grader at St. Bridget Catholic School.

The event was held at The Times-Dispatch production plant in Hanover County and lasted three hours and 150 words.

A total of 23 spellers representing 21 area schools and one representative for Catholic and private schools competed.

Wilson will now represent Charlotte County Public Schools at the National Bee on June 1st in Washington, D.C.