Brothers Taj and Dhilan Patel from Straughn competed for the top spelling title in this year’s Covington County Spelling Bee. The boys were seated  next to each other during the spelling bee so Taj would always encourage Dhilan, their father, Neil Patel, said.

“When Dhilan missed his word, Taj hugged him and told him that he could have the trophy if he won it,” Patel said.
Taj spelled the winning word “petunia” to win the  County Spelling Bee and earn his fourth appearance at the state spelling bee. in Alabaster, Sat., March 10., where he will compete against 53 top spellers.