CHARLOTTE — This time, Gideon Whaley completed the mission: to win the Charlotte Observer Regional Spelling Bee, held at ImaginOn in downtown Charlotte.

 In last year’s regional bee, Gideon finished second. On Wednesday, in the 53rd annual event, he finished first, nailing “hibiscus” and “contrapuntal” after his remaining competitor missed a word in the 12th round.

Gideon, 13-year-old son of Scott and Lana Whaley of Midland, is a serious hand-and-foot guy, playing piano and soccer. He said he practiced words for 30 minutes a day leading up to the bee. He qualifies for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., May 27-June 1.

The regional championship is a first for a Cabarrus County speller in the bee that dates to 1955. Gideon represented public schools in the county as well as C.C. Griffin Middle School.

 This year’s regional bee featured 27 spellers who won school-system bees in 13 counties. A champion from Scotland County was unable to attend because of transportation problems. Had she come, 28 school systems and 14 counties would have been represented.

 In last year’s regional bee, Gideon survived until the 12th round, when he missed “baleen.” His brother Gabe, now an 11th grader at the North Carolina School of Science & Math in Durham, finished 5th in the regional bee a few years ago.

 “All my life,” Gideon said, “I’ve read a lot and competed in spelling bees.” His favorite books include Lord of the Rings and Clive Cussler mysteries.

 The second- and third-place winners both have Matthews addresses. Runner-up Molly Crawford is an 11-year-old 6th-grader at Jay M. Robinson on the Mecklenburg side, and Molly represented Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Third-place Matt Jordan is a 13-year-old 8th-grader at Weddington Middle School. He represented Union County public schools.

 Matt went out in the 13th round when he missed “aplomb.” In the next round, Molly missed “elegize,” setting the stage for Gideon’s win.