Regional Spelling Bee Champ heads to nationals

One of the Eastern Shore's very own will be representing us on a national stage, the National Spelling Bee.

Erin Welch won the regional competition at University of Maryland Eastern Shore to earn the right to represent the four lower counties in D.C.   

The 13-year-old from Princess Anne is no stranger to spelling bees . This year marked her fourth appearance at the regional finals in five years.  

After not winning her school spelling bee at Saint Francis de Sales last year, she came back determined this year to qualify–and did.  

What makes this even more special national rules end eligibility so this was her last chance to make nationals.

Welch credits her school and her parents for constantly believing in her to help get her to this point. Welch will spell her first word at nationals Wednesday morning.