San Andreas, CA…On February 11, 2026, the gymnasium at Calaveras River Academy/Mountain Oaks was filled with focus and anticipation as 47 students in grades 6–9 competed in the 55th Annual Calaveras County Spelling Championship. Representing seven schools from across the county, students prepared to demonstrate not only their mastery of language, but also the perseverance and poise that define this long-standing academic tradition.

This year’s competition featured spellers representing Avery Middle School, Bear Valley Elementary, Calaveras River Academy, Copperopolis Elementary, Mark Twain Elementary, Sierra Hills Education Center, and Toyon Middle School. Organized by the Calaveras County Office of Education (CCOE), the annual event continues to highlight academic excellence and the dedication of students across the county.

Students competed for first, second, and third place honors at each grade level. First-place winners received a $50 cash prize generously sponsored by Bank of Stockton, whose local branch manager was on hand to personally award the prizes. The competition also included the now-anticipated Overall Champion award, recognizing the top speller across all grade levels. The Overall Champion received an additional $50 cash prize.

In the continuation of excellence, this year’s Overall Champion is Lumi Holdsworth from Toyon Middle School. They earned the title of Overall Champion last year and has also claimed first place at every grade level since beginning their spelling bee journey. This is an achievement that reflects dedication and preparation.

The top two finishers, 7^th grader Skyla Hackett from Avery Middle School and 8^th grader Lumi Holdsworth will advance to the State Spelling Bee representing Calaveras County. As rounds progressed and words grew increasingly challenging, students demonstrated focus and determination. Contestants were given 15 seconds to write each word and were allowed up to four incorrect attempts before elimination.

The event was moderated by Calaveras County Superintendent of Schools Jared Hungerford, who guided competitors through each round. The final word of the competition was “chronological.”

CCOE Coordinator of Communications and Student Events Debbie Strand praised the students’ efforts, stating, “Each year, students rise to the challenge and impress us with their spelling abilities which speaks volumes about the academic strength of our schools and the support behind these students.”

The 55th Annual Spelling Bee was made possible through the support of volunteers and community sponsors, including Bank of Stockton, Angels-Murphys Rotary, Adventist Health Sonora, Dignity Health, Cal-Waste, Middletons, and the Calaveras County Office of Education.

For more details and images from the event, visit www.ccoe.k12.ca.us/spellingbee.