SIERRA VISTA - Nine-year-old Dakota Duarte got the last word on Saturday as he won the Cochise County Spelling Bee at Buena High School.

The fourth-grader from General Myer Elementary will go on to represent Cochise County at the 2007 Arizona Educational Foundation State Spelling Bee on March 31, and perhaps Arizona should he win to go on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest. "I'm really, really glad," he said.

Duarte, who was barely tall enough to reach the microphone, won with the word "nonchalant."

"I've been studying for about a week," he added.

Elizabeth Syson from Elfrida Elementary School took second place, and the alternate spot for the state competition.

Syson, who has previously won the Cochise County Spelling Bee, said the material is the most rewarding part of participating.

"Last year, I won $100 and got to go on a trip with my mom," she said.

Prize money was awarded to the county winner, and trophies are awarded to the top three contestants.

All students received a certificate of participation.

Other top finishers were Keleigh Williams of Apache Middle School, and Helena Hunt of Veritas Christian Community School.

Thirty-seven students from Cochise County elementary and middle schools participated in the 10-round spelling bee.

Each competitor must first win their classroom and then their school spelling bee to enter in a spot for the countywide contest.

"It encourages good learning practices. It's also an opportunity to compete at the state and national level," said Cathy Tutor, an administrative assistant and special programs coordinator for the Cochise County Superintendent's Office.

Tutor, who spearheaded the event, said the spelling bee requirements are set at the national level.

Students prepare by studying the Scripps Consolidated Word List and other resources.

"I enjoy seeing the really hard work all the students put in," said John Birt, the pronouncer for the event.

The spelling bee was judged by Cochise County Superior Court judges James Conlogue, Ann Littrell and Charles Irwin, who all volunteered for the event. The judges oversee the competition and review any appeals that are made by participants or their parents.

"The event is being run very professional," said Barbara Mertz, who's daughter Audrey finished in the top 10.

Students can request word definitions, origins and usage to help clarify doubts.

For fifth-grader Jessica Quinonez of Stevenson Elementary School, who made it through the second round, spelling has always been a hobby.

"I got the word list and keep it in my backpack. I look at it when I'm at school. It's really fun," she said.