A Minnetonka middle-schooler will represent the Twin Cities area at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in late May just outside Washington, D.C.

Twelve-year-old Max Meyer earned the trip with his regional spelling bee victory Saturday at Augsburg College. Max clinched the honor by correctly spelling "electrolyte" and "transenna."

Max, who lives in Shorewood and is in seventh grade at Minnetonka Middle School East, was among 47 spellers competing from elementary, middle and junior high schools, community and magnet schools, and private and home schools.

By the way, "electrolyte" is a liquid through which electricity can pass. "Transenna" is a screen of stone or metal that encloses a shrine.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482