Sandra Baumgardner, Jenny Jarosz and Valerie Meineke

Senior citizens with a knack for spelling competed May 22 at the Brookfield Village Hall in the Illinois State Senior Spelling Bee, hosted by the Brookfield Public Library and Brookfield Recreation Department.

Three contestants placed in the top three and advanced to the regional semifinals in Park Ridge on June 2, including winner Valerie Meineke, runner-up Jenny Jarosz and alternate Sandra Baumgardner.