COEUR d’ALENE — Theosophy is a type of religious and philosophical system, but Saturday, that definition didn’t matter.

What mattered was the moment eighth grader Andrew Ford gave the correct spelling of the word, becoming this year’s champion of the Inland Northwest Spelling Bee.

This year’s bee had five times as many competitors compared to previous years, according to Mike Nelson, the deputy superintendent of the Coeur d’Alene School District.

This was the first year that students from northeast Washington were invited to compete.

After 12 rounds and about four hours of spelling words like “gallic” and “encomium,” the field was narrowed down to three competitors: August Haws from Canfield Middle School, Gabriel Aguirre from Inland Northwest Homeschool Spelling Association, and Andrew, also of INHSA.

The three boys each received a scholarship prize for making it past round five of the bee.

Andrew was crowned champion after his correct spelling of "theosophy" and runner up Gabriel just missed on the word “sobersides,” which is used to describe a person that is serious in nature.

Both boys will go on to compete for the ultimate $50,000 prize at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May.

Andrew also received a check for $1,000 from Idaho Character Foundation, which organized Saturday’s bee.

Andrew had been preparing for Saturday’s win since December.

“It’s wonderful to see all the hard work he puts in pay off,” said Andrew’s dad, Mike Ford.

Andrew said he felt confident as he spelled out the winning word.

“It feels good,” Andrew said.  

    Along with a trophy and a spot in Scripps National Spelling Bee — and bragging rights — Andrew also received $1000 from Idaho Character Foundation.
  

    Andrew Ford (right) and Gabriel Aguirre (left) will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May.