The 24 finalists worked hard to prepare for the Bee, and their dedication was apparent in the poise, focus, and accuracy they demonstrated with each correctly spelled word.

The audience watched with rapt attention, providing silent support to their peers. Students who did not reach the final round smiled, offered thumbs-ups, and even gave air "high fives" as they rooted for the other contestants, a testament to the spirit of collaboration and community that the Bee fosters.

In the end, Jamie Lake ‘30 and Joshua Kuruvilla ‘30 emerged victorious and will advance to the Scripps Spelling Bee later this year. We also congratulate Xiaoou Jiao ‘33, who will serve as an alternate if needed.

To every participant, thank you for making the 13th Middle School Spelling Bee a showcase of community, camaraderie, courage, and intellectual spirit. Click here to view the photo gallery.

Finalists:

5th Grade

Nina Jani, Mia Javeri, Neil Shah, Audrey Kotchen, Xiaoou Jiao, Frances Lee

6th Grade

Vik Singh, Rosie Canada, James Ginsburg, Vivian Liaw, Natalie Su, Kareena Dixit

7th Grade

CC Alamgir, James Casciato, Tae Lee, Richard Kaplan, Katelyn Rothman, Sheva Wright

8th Grade 

Jamie Lake, Oliver Gelb, Alice Surcan, Eleanor Wang, Charlotte Lee, Joshua Kuruvilla  

Submitted by Samantha Fleeter, Middle School English Department Chair/7th Grade House Advisor and English Teacher