David Habibi, a fifth grader of Chabad Academy of Myrtle Beach, became the champion of the 22nd annual Regional Spelling Bee Tuesday night, earning him a spot in the national competition this summer.

Habibi beat out nearly 50 of his peers from Horry and Georgetown schools, knocking out  out his competitors during 12 rounds of competition. His winning word was "ephemeral" which he spelled with no problem.

Habibi won an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee May 31-June 5. He also received a trophy, dictionary, gift cards and other prizes.

The spelling bee was co-sponsored by The Sun News.

(source: Carolinalive.com, The SunNews.com)