Transcendence. To most this word may define a being that exceeds normal limits, but to Rachel Kaiser, it was 12, daunting letters that stood between her and spelling bee glory.

Rain wasn’t going to stop 115 ambitious students from attending the 10th annual Great Fishtown Spelling Bee, which took place at the Shissler Recreation Center Thursday night.

These 115 students represented eight Riverward schools and ranged from second to eighth grade. There was no need to register for the event, but just show up and have your thinking cap on.

Students were separated into groups depending on their age. The groups were: second and third graders; fourth and fifth graders; and seventh and eighth graders. Let the competition begin.

“We had a great turnout this year, but I think each year we can have even more students,” said A.J. Thomson who ran the competition.

The second through fourth graders were extremely energetic while spelling their words. Even at a young age they were spelling words that make adults think twice. Astrid Heleva from Frankford Friends was the winner of this division after she spelled “demonstrate” with no trouble.

“You can always study and do better each year,” Thomson said to students who planned on coming back next year.

The fifth through sixth graders saw an increased difficulty in words as the contest progressed. Some of the students weren’t even aware of some of the words that were given to them.

“The fifth/sixth grade winner had never even heard her winning word before,” Thomson said. “I bet she’ll never forget it now!”

That word Caroline Peña, from Visitation, was challenged to spell was “remembrance,” which she did without hesitating. Although she didn’t know the word, she was able to sound it out and accomplish what each child wanted to do Thursday. Win.

A.J. Thomson also presented the students with another surprise. “The winners of each division have also won a pizza party for their classroom,” Thomson said.

The Penn Treaty Special Services District provided the funding for this prize as well as all of the trophies and medals.

The seventh and eighth grade division was extremely competitive. Many parents and other students crowded around to watch these students compete to see who would take home the huge trophies everyone was gawking at during the competition.

And then finally, Rachel Kaiser correctly spelled the word “transcendence” and the rec center erupted in cheers. Trying to act modestly, she controlled her emotions, but the entire crowd knew how excited she was.

With all the other spellers eliminated, Astrid Heleva, Caroline Peña and Rachel Kaiser took front and center to accept their awards. With only smiles, the night ended with as much energy as it started with and concluded with a simple quote from A.J. Thomson.

“We hope to see you all back next year,” Thomson said. “And don’t forget to tell your friends too!”