Sam Valentine, eighth grader at Andrew Lewis Middle School, won the Salem School Division Spelling Bee this morning, Wednesday, Feb. 11. Cory Akers from South Salem Elementary was runner-up.

Photo: Andrew Lewis Middle School 8th grader Sam Valentine is all smiles after winning this year’s Salem School Division Spelling Bee.

At left: Spelling Bee Champ Sam Valentine poses with Curtis Hicks, Salem’s Director of Secondary Education

Submitted by Mike Stevens.

Group photo: Salem’s 2009 Spelling Bee Finalists. (Left to Right) Charlie Phillips (West Salem), Cory Akers (South Salem), Sam Valentine (Andrew Lewis), Bryn Burns (G.W. Carver), Dale Mangum (East Salem)

Photos submitted by Mike Stevens.