A woman from Houston recently won the Justin Rudd's 16th annual spelling bee at the Bay Shore Church in Long Beach, California. 

Linda Marshall's Spelling Bee Win

Linda Marshall, a Houstonian, won the Justin Rudd's National Adult Spelling Bee on Saturday, Mar. 12, at the Bay Shore Church. As reported, the competition ran for two hours, and she had taken home a cash prize of $1,000. 

Marshall's last words to spell for the final rounds were "peccant" and "oneiric." 

Meanwhile, other winners of the spelling contest were Lewis Lenard from California, who won second place, and third place was a tie between Dean Alkairy, Anne Wright, and Lindsey Kriser, all from California. Marshall already announced that half of the money she won will go to the nonprofit organization "Doctors Without Borders." 

$1,000 National Adult Spelling Bee

Justin Rudd founded the adult and kids spelling bees in 2006. He started the competition with his nonprofit organization, Community Action Team, at the Bay Shore Church in Belmont Shore every year. However, there was no spelling bee last year due to the onset of the pandemic.

Those interested in joining the spelling bee must be at least 14 years of age and is a resident or student in the United States. It is also held together with the $1,000 National Kids Spelling Bee.

Justin Rudd and The Community Action Team

Justin Rudd is considered as one of the "25 most influential people in Southern California." He is the recipient of the 2004 Outstanding Young Californian award by the California Jaycees Foundation. 

On his Instagram, it says that he is into "dogs, photography, fiction, music, baking, fitness, Jesus." 

He also added that he is a "firm believer in the collective powers of individuals joined in a spirit of goodwill and generous giving to bring about the success of an organization."

The Community Action Team is an umbrella organization that holds more than 60 events annually. Some of these include the 30-Minute Beach Cleanup, Camp Justin!, Haute Dog Contests and Parades, Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, and the Miss Long Beach Pageant.

The main purpose of the team is to promote social well-being. The page also says that they produce quality community events that are beneficial to children, animals, and the environment.

Bay Shore Church

Long Beach's Bay Shore Community Congregational Church was established in 1925. The church says on its page that it brings vibrant worship, thought-provoking education, and fellowship and service opportunities. The church calls itself a diverse community that respects people's unique spiritual paths. 

They also have a "Bond of Union" in their constitution, which they describe as common loyalty to Jesus Christ. 

The church is also a member of the United Church of Christ, a coalition of 6,300 churches with 1.6 million members across the United States. Also known as the UCC, it is an LGBTQ-friendly and Open and Affirming (ONA) ecumenical denomination.

Today, Rev. Dr. David Clark, senior pastor, leads the church with Rev. Susie Bjork as the associate pastor.

More from Crossmap: Ensemble Theatre presents play based on civil rights leader Rev. Bill Lawson