Alex Tapert beat out her fellow fifth-graders at Leonard Elementary to become the school’s spelling bee champion. She will next compete at the Oakland Schools Scripps Regional Spelling Bee on Sunday, March 18 at the intermediate school district’s office located at 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd. in Waterford. Doors open at 10 a.m. and the contest begins at noon. Photo by C.J. Carnacchio.