Students across the Baldwin Union Free School District competed in school-level rounds of the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, with winners advancing to the next qualifying stage for regional competition.
At Baldwin Middle School, sixth grader Genesis Olivares won the school bee after 10 rounds by correctly spelling “spectator.” Isabella George finished as runner-up. Olivares will next take part in a regional written spelling and vocabulary assessment in February for a chance to compete in the Region 4 Scripps National Spelling Bee in March.
“Events like the Spelling Bee highlight the courage, confidence, and academic excellence of our students. I am immensely proud of all our participants for stepping beyond their comfort zones and demonstrating perseverance and scholarly pride,” Principal Erica Taylor said.
Elementary schools across the district also held spelling bees. School champions include Ezber Nazaire of Steele Elementary (“alfalfa”), Aisha Akinbode of Brookside Elementary (“garbled”), Aaron Alexandre of Lenox Elementary (“conscience”), Halima Williams of Meadow Elementary (“prestigious”), and Lianna Martin of Plaza Elementary (“encourages”).
The annual spelling bee challenges students to build vocabulary and literacy skills while encouraging confidence and academic growth.
