Tapia, 13, of Kihei, spelled "brocade" to win, and eighth-grader Estrella Madani of Moloka'i Intermediate was runner-up. Both students advanced to The Honolulu Advertiser State Spelling Bee on March 13 at Windward Community College.

Tapia's parents are Jennifer Ching and LuAnn Aiu. She is coached by Jill Kloet.

"She's such a good speller. She's always reading," Aiu said.

Madani, 13, of Kawela, is the daughter of Laurie and Mateo Madani. Her coach is Fay Huff.

Also competing in the contest at 'Iao Intermediate were Kailani Hall of Lokelani, Roxanne Grantham and Elizabeth Tran of Sacred Hearts, Kristen Kokubun and Devon Yap of Doris Todd Memorial Christian, Heidi Corson and Randi Crawford of St. Anthony Junior and Senior High, Giovanni Cleghorn of Moloka'i Intermediate, Michelle Painchaud and Celina Hayashi of Kalama Intermediate, Chynna Woodruff of Emmanuel Lutheran, Kailey Flores and Nicole Ewing of Lahaina Intermediate, Leah Agaron and Reese Tanaka of Maui Waena Intermediate, and Sabrina Samonte of Lana'i High & Intermediate.

The state finalists will receive prizes from Sears, Island Heritage, Consolidated Theatres and Enjoy Snacks.

The state Spelling Bee champion will win a free trip for two to Washington, D.C., to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in June, and a $100 U.S. savings bond from Jay Sugarman.