After studying 2,000 words, whose origins were Old English, Latin, Arabic, Slavic, French, Italian, Dutch, Greek, Spanish and Asian, Jane Kanary represented WL McLeod at the regional spelling bee in Prince George on March 3. Kanary, who was named runner-up to champion said she had a lot of support from Vanderhoof family and friends. "It was a great experience and I'm hoping to compete in it next year," Kanary said. Jane said she was nervous and although she was hoping to get through a couple of rounds, she didn't expect to place second overall. Jane’s coach, Leanne O'Brien said she was extremely proud. "Jane was a very good student because she studied ... more than I asked," O'Brien said. Did O'Brien think Jane would do this well? "I was hopeful because she knew she worked for it, but it was the same for everyone; these were the top spellers from their schools hoping to win as well," O’Brien said. Maggie Fraser, the coordinator of the event for WL McLeod, said she’s wanted to do it for three years. "I love spelling and I love big words," she said, "the regional spelling bee was so exciting." Submitted McLeod Elementary Gr. 7 student Jane Kanary came so, so close to bringing home $5,000 cash, winning an all-expense paid trip to Toronto, Ontario and boasting Championship Title for this year’s 2012 CANSPELL Regional Spelling Bee. Kanary competed for three hours against 33 other top-speller contestants. Kanary endured 12 intense rounds of successful spelling, exuding “cool as a cucumber” calmness. She was one of two last contestants on stage, and had one more Championship word to spell. Sadly and to her opponent’s favour, the word “albeit” turned the table back to Logan O’Neil, a Gr. 7 student from Malaspina Elementary in Prince George. Congratulations Jane on your First Runner Up status! Everyone (students and staff) from the Proud to be McLeod family are so incredibly proud of Jane, her studies and her accomplishment of getting so far. Jane has hopes of entering again next year as a Grade 8 level competitor. McLeod folks said, “Superior spelling, Jane and best wishes at CANSPELL 2013. We’re rooting for you!”