By CATHY DYSON

Four students who have been under the glare of the regional spelling-bee spotlight before have learned from the experience--and have some advice for newcomers.

"There's nothing to be nervous about, the audience isn't going to bite you," said Victoria Zisi, a 13-year-old home-schooler. "Just focus on one word at a time."

Duncan Paterson, 12, of Dahlgren School, offered the same words of wisdom as Drew Marino, 12, of Warrenton Middle School.

Study.

A lot.

Pay attention to how words are spelled in different languages, Duncan said, and ask questions if you're not sure about the origin, Drew added.

A final tip came from Ian Dow, 12, of Fredericksburg Christian Schools.

"I would say not to worry about it," Ian said. "Just think it through."

Ian, a seventh-grader, admits he should take his own advice. He tends to over-think everything, he said, so having been at the bee before--in 2010--helps him know what to expect.

The four repeat spellers are among 21 students who will try to spell words that most members of the audience can't pronounce at Saturday's seventh annual Free Lance-Star Regional Spelling Bee.

Sierra Giles of Grymes Memorial School in Orange County also is a repeat winner, but she can't compete Saturday because she's out of the country.

The competition begins at 9:30 a.m. at Theater12/Splitsville at Spotsylvania Towne Centre. It's free and open to the public.

The field of spellers and the number of schools they represent are the largest in the bee's history, said coordinator Janet Gibson.

For the first time, The Free Lance-Star invited divisions with 10 or more schools registered with the Scripps National Spelling Bee to send two representatives.

Spotsylvania, Stafford and Fauquier counties are sending winners and runners-up.

The 21 spellers in grades four through eight won contests in their classes, grades and divisions to make it to the regional bee. Altogether, they represent 87 schools and about 30,300 students.

That's why Victoria, a seventh-grader, believes the bee offers a great experience for every participant--even though only one gets to advance to the national bee in Washington May 28 through June 1.

She hopes newcomers won't be scared by the stage lights.