Seventeen of Portage County’s top spellers showcased their skills at the 2026 Portage County Spelling Bee, held on February 14 at James A. Garfield Middle School. These students earned their place in the county-wide competition after winning their schools’ respective spelling bees.
This year’s field of spellers included:
• Sebastian Harvey, Bio-Med Science Academy
• Caleigh Fueger, Bio-Med Science Academy
• Leah Finley, Field Middle School
• Sophia Ellison, James A. Garfield Middle School
• Thomas Parbel, James A. Garfield Middle School
• Brady Strete, Mogadore Junior High School
• Juliana Eyring, St. Patrick School
• AJ Heppe, Waterloo Junior High School
• Lucy Wiles, Waterloo Junior High School
After seven hard-fought rounds, the five finalists who will advance to the Akron Regional Spelling Bee are:
(pictured left to right in above picture)
• Declan Wicks, Mogadore Jr. High
• Chase Groubert, Mogadore Jr. High
• John Sessions, Field Middle School
• Olivia Hall, James A. Garfield Middle School
• Oliver Nguyen, St. Patrick School
Katie Hovancsek from Chimney Sweep Homeschool is the alternate, and she will replace any of the qualifiers who cannot attend the Akron Regional Bee, which will take place on Sunday, March 15 at 1:30 p.m. at the Akron Public Library. The winner of that competition will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will take place in Washington, D.C. in May.
Congratulations to all the participants, and best of luck to the finalists!
