Besting orthographic trickery like “durham” and “richter scale” during a second-place run in countywide competition, Libby seventh-grader Tommy Martin went on to advance this year through three rounds of the Treasure State Spelling Bee.

Martin, during a fourth and final go on the big stage in Bozeman, ultimately faltered on “vestibule” to finish in a commendable 20th place statewide.

He outpaced nearly 40 other top Montanan spellers and is now working on his bid to win the 2023 state spelling bee.

“He works on it all the time,” Pat McFadden, Martin's stepfather, said. “He’s a wordsmith.”

Libby’s Isaac Lamere had secured the top spot in the Lincoln County Spelling Bee this year but ultimately deferred his win for Martin to make the trip representing the county in Bozeman.

The Treasure State Spelling Bee was held March 12 at Montana State University’s Strand Union Building. It was the first in-person, oral state spelling bee since 2019, according to event organizers.

This year's winner, Ellette Whitcomb, an eighth-grader from Missoula County, moves on to represent Montana this summer at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Winnings for the national champion include a $50,000 cash prize from Scripps, with another $2,500 in cash from Merriam-Webster — plus the official championship Scripps Cup.

Whitcomb won the state title this year after correctly spelling “phlebotomy,” “integument” and “phosphorescent” during final rounds of the bee, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported.

A history buff in Lincoln County, Martin is also active in youth baseball and basketball.

But English remains what he considers his strong suit.

The avid reader’s first books included classic fiction like Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick” and William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies.”

“I’m the best at it,” he reminisced of his English language skills compared to other interests.

During his first three rounds of the Treasure State Spelling Bee, Martin correctly spelled “kindergarten,” “emerald” and “bastion.”