Jon Ruleo Bantugan stood in front of television cameras round after round, spelling out words with ease during the 2012 Mississippi Statewide Spelling Bee. The 12-year-old Warrenton Elementary student, who won the districtwide competition, was one of 27 contestants who competed for the state crown and a trip to Washington, D.C., for the national spelling bee.

Jon made it to the 25th round with only four contestants remaining before he was eliminated from the competition. Winston Academy’s Dev Jaiswal won the bee in the 30th round and will represent Mississippi in the nationals. Jon’s fourth-place finish is the highest by a local student in memory, said Sherry Garmon, a Bowmar Elementary School teacher who coordinates the districtwide event. Garmon has been involved in the spelling bee for 18 years.

Jon was eliminated on the word “muishond,” a type of African weasel. A tough one indeed.

The thought of standing alone in front of television cameras spelling difficult words is daunting. Actually having the composure to do it as well as Jon did it is more amazing.

His performance should have all of Warren County feeling proud.