W-i-n-n-e-r

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is iconic. It’s the nation’s largest, longest-running educational program – since 1925 – and each year students up through 8th grade (no older than 15) compete for a spot in this historic event.

This year, Reagan Elementary School 5th grader Naithik Yankarla will be part of that elite group in Washington D.C. after winning the Regional Spelling Bee Wednesday morning in the Odessa High School Performing Arts Center. Naithik, assigned apparently-lucky #13, bested the field of 20 spellers and won in the 16th round by correctly spelling “municipal.” The Scripps National Spelling Bee takes place May 26-28.

Each year as part of its foundational literacy efforts, Ector County ISD hosts the regional spelling bee giving students from our area the opportunity to challenge themselves and sharpen their spelling and vocabulary skills. Of course, the trophy and the trip to the national bee in Washington D.C. are available to the winner!

This year’s qualifiers for the regional spelling bee:

Angela Calderson, 4th grade, Blackshear Elementary

Barbara Jauregui, 5th grade, Ross Elementary

Blake Luedecke, 8th grade, Ector College Prep Success Academy MS

Damien Coleman, 4th grade, Hays STEAM Academy

Elanna Carrasco, 5th grade, Blanton Elementary

Elizabeth Figueroa, 5th grade, Dowling Elementary

Evelyn Ramirez, 6th grade, STEM Academy

Fares Fares, 6th grade, Nimitz MS

Jackson Stafford, 5th grade, Sam Houston Elementary

Jacob Soto, 5th grade, Noel Elementary

Joshua Galvan, 7th grade, Bowie MS

Kamila Sanchez, 8th grade, Wilson & Young MS

Kevin Cera, 7th grade, Crockett MS

Mia Fierro, 7th grade, Compass Academy

Mia Maynez, 7th grade, St. John’s Episcopal

Naithik Yankarla, 5th grade, Reagan Elementary

Royal Torres, 3rd grade, Goliad Elementary

Sheyla Flores, 5th grade, San Jacinto Elementary

Ugonna Ngene, 5th grade, Jordan Elementary

Yusuf Kamel, 5th grade, LBJ Elementary