The Rotary Club of Longview won the event, which benefits the East Texas Literacy Council, in only six rounds. It was the second win in a row, and the third overall, for the club.

Meanwhile, Longview Health Inspector Leisha Kidd — there to cheer on the city’s team while dressed as a character from the Pac-Man video game — shouted “Marry me, Jimmy” when Longview News-Journal reporter Jimmy Isaac took the stage to spell.

Isaac declined the proposal with panache, which is also the word he correctly spelled in that round.

All but two of the 16 teams in the competition were eliminated by the end of the fifth round, leaving KSA Engineers and the Rotary Club of Longview to seek the title of champion spellers.

“I was pleased that our team repeated as winners,” said Gene McWhorter, one of the three members of the club’s team. “This event is always a lot of fun, but it’s a little bit more fun when you win.”

Gordon Northcutt and Ric Brack also were on the team. Brack spelled the winning word, which was demarche; it was Brack’s first time to compete in the event.

“I attribute the win to the great coaching of my senior team members and our hard work,” Brack said.

McWhorter said the team has been at both ends of the stick when it comes to the competition.

“After winning in 2004, we didn’t even make it through the first round in 2005,” he said. “Now we’re back on top, but there are always a lot of good spellers here, so we’ll be facing tough competition to keep the title.”

Northcutt said the bee is a great event for a worthy cause and one he always enjoys being a part of.

The team for Pine Tree Independent School District won the spirit award for pirate-themed costumes and cheers. They accepted the award with “Arrgh!”

Jennifer Slade, executive director of the literacy council, said she was pleased with the turnout, though she was surprised at how quickly the bee progressed.

“I think the words were a bit more challenging this year, but we always appreciate the community support for this event,” Slade said.

The Longview News-Journal won the Golden Hive Award for supporting the East Texas Literacy Council.

“The newspaper has won before, but as they’ve had a change of ownership and continued to be one of our biggest supporters. We thought it was appropriate to honor the company again,” Slade said.