SALINA, Kan. (KAKE) - An 8th grader at Andover Middle School has won this year's Kansas Press Association Sunflower State Spelling Bee and advances to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Andover Public Schools said Carey Chesire won in Salina on Saturday with his correct spelling of “Ahuehuete," a type of Mexican cypress tree.

Carey now qualifies for the nationally-televised Scripps contest, which begins May 28 in Washington, D.C.

"He is believed to be the first Andover student to win the state Spelling Bee. Congratulations!," USD 385 said on Facebook.