You could say that spelling is a special talent for Setauket Elementary School sixth-grader Ava Himmelsbach, as she was named the school spelling bee champion for the third year in a row this winter.

After facing off against the school’s top spellers from grades 4-6, Ava clinched her victory in the 19th round of the school-level competition with the word “libertarian.” She will now take part in an online test covering spelling and vocabulary for the chance to qualify for the regional spelling bee, which will be held at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue later this winter. 

The Three Village Central School District congratulates Ava on this remarkable accomplishment, as well as second-, third- and fourth-place competitors Peter Calone, Valentina Ellis and Madeline Galeotafiore.