Pacelli eight-grader Neha Thawani Nanda has advanced to the final regional spelling bee in Rochester.

Nanda competed in two regional spelling bees on Monday at Wood Lake Meeting Center in Rochester.

Seventy-five students participated in the bees and students from 36 districts throughout the region advanced to compete in the regional competitions coordinated by the Southeast Service Cooperative.

The top 12 spellers (six from each bee) now advance to the final regional spelling bee at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Wood Lake Meeting Center at 210 Wood Lake Dr  SE, with the competition aiming to be finished before noon.

If Nanda wins the contest, then Pacelli will be represented at the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. on May 26 to June 1.