D.C. Students Kick Off 44th Annual Spelling Bee Season

February 16, 2026

More than 260 students from 88 schools across Washington, D.C., participated in cluster-level spelling competitions at THEARC, with approximately 30 participants advancing to the citywide finals scheduled for spring. The eventual citywide winner will earn the opportunity to represent the District at the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. Competition coordinator Jason Moore and volunteer judges emphasized that the event's true value extends beyond winning, focusing instead on helping students develop confidence, perseverance, and the ability to overcome fear and nervousness.

Who is affected

More than 260 student spellers from 88 D.C. public, private, and charter schools
The 30 students (approximately 11%) who advanced to the citywide spelling bee finals
Students who participated but were eliminated, including Caiyah Floyd (Browne Education Campus), Quinn Koester (Hearst Elementary), and Maia Elliott (Hearst Elementary)
Jason Moore (competition coordinator)
Four volunteer judges including Cynthia Ajuzie (DCPS Office of Teaching and Learning) and Christina Rodriguez (DCPS elementary and social studies manager)
The eventual citywide winner who will represent D.C. at the Scripps National Spelling Bee

What action is being taken

More than 260 students are competing in the Cluster Bees at THEARC
Four judges are working and volunteering at the competition
Students are supporting and encouraging each other during the event
Volunteers like Ajuzie and Rodriguez are interacting with and giving back to students through their judging roles

Why it matters

This competition matters because it provides students with opportunities to develop valuable life skills beyond academic achievement, including the ability to overcome fear and nervousness through participation. The event teaches students about perseverance, confidence-building, and the importance of showing up and volunteering, while also fostering community spirit through peer support and encouragement. Additionally, it promotes literacy and language skills among D.C. youth while providing a pathway for one student to represent the District at a national level. The competition also creates meaningful opportunities for former educators and current education professionals to reconnect with and support students in their community.

What's next

30 finalists will compete in the Washington Informer Citywide Spelling Bee this spring
The citywide winner will represent the District in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May
Students like Quinn Koester plan to study and compete again next year

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer