Andy Castleberry, a seventh-grader from Riverview Middle School, won the county’s systemwide spelling bee Friday.

After correctly spelling “argument” and  “appeal” to claim the title, Castleberry will represent Dawson County in the district spelling bee Feb. 28 at Mabry Middle School in Marietta.

Associate School Superintendent Keith Porter said Castleberry was “tremendously composed during the bee.”

“I am sure that he will represent Dawson County well,” Porter said.

Castleberry will compete against 18 other students from 10 different counties including Forsyth, Lumpkin, Cherokee, Pickens and White.

Bill Zadernak, principal of Riverview Middle School, attributed Castleberry’s success to his experience in other areas.

“He plays basketball for Riverview, so he is used to performing in front of people and I think it helped overcome any stage fright he might have had,” Zadernak said.

Mother Darla Castleberry was thrilled with her son’s performance.

“We are very proud of him and his accomplishments,” she said.

Five participants took part in this year’s bee, one representative from each Dawson County elementary and middle school. The competitors ranged from fourth to eighth grade.

Beginning with the runner-up, the other participants were: Casey Johnson, Dawson County Middle School; Dana Robinson, Black’s Mill Elementary; Patrick Moody, Kilough Elementary; and Jared Edwards, Robinson Elementary.

E-mail Elizabeth Hamilton at elizabeth@dawsonnews.com.