There were some tough words going into the final round of the West Homer Elementary School spelling Bee on Feb. 4. Word caller Gary Thomas challenged the youngsters with words like ipso facto, edification and skirmish for example. It was a seven-letter word that boosted fifth-grader Emma Sulczynski into first place: berserk. Tristyn Romeril, a sixth-grader, is the runner up. Should something prevent Emma from participating in the Alaska State Spelling Bee in Anchorage, March 5, Tristyn will take her place. The WHES spelling bee was coordinated by Holly Alston.