Congratulations to our 2026 Regional Spelling Bee Champion - Vincent Brendel!

Vincent Brendel is an 8th grader from Saint Mary Catholic School.  He had qualified to go to the ROE regional bee in 2023, 2024, and 2025.  We are very happy he will get a chance to compete the 101^st Scripps National Bee in May.  His championship word was lorikeet.  

First Runner-Up:  Daniel Edens from Saint John the Baptist School
Second Runner-Up: Jonathan Kinkade from Hannah Beardsley Middle School

National Bee:
The 101st National Spelling Bee will take place May 24-29th at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

 Questions?

For more information about how your students can participate, if you are interested in volunteering as a judge, or if you’d like to sponsor the Bee, contact Kim Walters at 815-334-3039.

Previous Winners: 

2025:
     Champion:  Tyler Kochanski, Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School
     First Runner-Up: Keegan Schultz, Marengo Community Middle School   
     Second Runner-Up: Ryder Plott, Immanuel Lutheran School

2024:
     Champion:  Evan Cochrane, Immanuel Lutheran
     First Runner-Up:  David Koll, Hannah Beardsley
     Second Runner-Up:  Lucas Fiedorowicz, Bernotas Middle School

2023:
     Champion:  Vishrut Kinikar, Cary Junior High
     First Runner-Up:  Neha Gopalakrishnan, Marlow Middle School
     Second Runner-Up:  Poornika Nag, Lundahl Middle School

2022:
     Champion:  Travis Melnick, Johnsburg Elementary
     First Runner-Up:  Lauren Mueller, Johnsburg Junior High
     Second Runner-Up:  Vishrut Kinikar, Cary Junior High