First State Educate hosts Delaware Regional Spelling Bee

DELAWARE. – Students from across Delaware took the stage at Delaware Technical Community College for the 2026 Delaware Regional Spelling Bee.

Democrat of the 4th District, Laura Sturgeon, explains her first thoughts following the event. “Oh my goodness, this spelling bee is such a great event. I’m so pleased that First State Educate started this last year, and now it’s going to become an annual tradition.”

The event brought 57 students from across the first state to compete, and many took the stage to show spelling prowess. FSE Director Julia Keleher says the talent was extraordinary.

“The competition went way long, which showed the talent in the room. These kids were spelling words, that are way beyond anything that I knew how to spell.”

300 attendees cheered them on, and the aim of the event was to inspire academic excellence in Delaware classrooms. Jasmyn Wright of FSE said the top 3 winners get a special prize.

“The top 3 winners are going to represent Delaware at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is beautiful and phenomenal.” Senator Laura Sturgeon has been an advocate for education reform in the state; she states representation in the nation’s capital is remarkable.

“Aside from the last couple of years, I do not believe that Delaware had a Scripps Spelling Bee, so we did not have any representation in D.C. for the national level, so it means so much to have the first state represented on the national scale, it’s very important.”

First place went to Siara H, who won for the second straight year out of Islamic Academy. Nathan L won second place out of Delaware Valley Classical School, and Brandon Z got third place out of North Star Elementary School.

Keleher says she was happy with the turnout, “Incredible talented students, families, I couldn’t be prouder.”

The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee will be held from May 26–28, at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.