Holly was awarded with a cake from her friends, after she correctly spelt 'curmudgeon' to get her through to the finals.
She put her spelling talent down to "reading a lot, and noticing words".
"It also means at least in exams I'm not going to get any points off [for incorrect spelling]."
English teacher Julie Secker said they would be preparing the students by giving them a new word to spell everyday.
She said it was tough competition at the nationals.
"I can barely stand it, you get one letter wrong and you're out. It's quick fire with no second chances."
Fifteen students from Tauranga competed at the Central North Island regional semi-final.
Spelling Bee event founder Janet Lucas said it was a competition against the dictionary.
"But the spellers love it; it's fiercely competitive but in a fun way. The best thing about it is they have all learned new words which they will have for the rest of their lives."