On Saturday, November 9th, 2024, Booker Elementary School was filled with excitement as the Spring ISD Multilingual Department hosted the 8th Annual Spring ISD Spanish Spelling Bee. Families gathered to support and cheer on their children, creating an atmosphere of encouragement and pride as students showcased their Spanish language skills. 

“The Spanish Spelling Bee is especially significant in a dual-language district like Spring ISD,” said Director of Multilingual Programs Lettie Houck. “This event offers the district an opportunity to come together to celebrate bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural understanding.”

Before the competition began, Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa greeted families and spoke to participating students, commending them for their dedication to learning a second language—whether Spanish or English—while also maintaining fluency in their primary language, the one spoken at home.

“Being bilingual, having two languages—not only English but also Spanish—is like having a superpower,” Hinojosa told the students. “And I can tell you, and the parents here, that being bilingual is and has been my superpower.”

The contest welcomed students in grades 4-8, who competed in two separate spelling bee events for the district-wide finals. After a practice round and several official rounds of competition, one elementary and one secondary first-place winner were ultimately crowned.

The secondary category winner was Leah Sanchez, an eighth-grader at Roberson Middle School, who earned the top spot this year after successfully spelling the word Ecología—the Spanish equivalent of the English word Ecology—in the final round. In the 4th-5th grade category, the winner was Valeria Ramirez, a fourth-grader from Beneke Elementary School, whose final word was Helicóptero.

Ramirez, this year’s first-place winner in the elementary category, is a recent Cuban immigrant who arrived in the United States just one year ago. She dedicated significant time to prepare for the competition, working closely with Beneke Elementary’s Interventionist, Mrs. Jeannette Rice, to master the Spanish vocabulary needed to excel in the event.

“She did it herself. She worked very hard to earn this medal,” said Mrs. Rice. “With guidance and support, she earned the top spot, exemplifying the resilience and determination of Spring ISD’s multilingual students.”

Her mother, Eilys Pacheco, was also present at the competition and expressed her pride, noting that although their family has faced challenges, her daughter’s dedication has been unwavering. 

“I’m incredibly proud of her and will continue to support her in competitions like this to promote academics and our primary language, Spanish,” Pacheco said, emphasizing the family’s commitment to preserving and celebrating their language and culture.

The winners will be invited to participate in and represent Spring ISD at the Region 4 Spanish Spelling Bee in February 2025. The top finalist from each grade will advance to the Texas State Spanish Spelling Bee.

In a district with a vibrant and large Hispanic community, events like the Spanish Spelling Bee are of great importance. They offer students a unique opportunity to celebrate and connect with their linguistic heritage. This competition not only helps students strengthen and refine their Spanish language skills but also instills a deep sense of pride and cultural identity.

This year’s top winners, including elementary and secondary level contestants, include the following:

Secondary

• First Place Leah Sanchez, 8th Grade, Roberson MS
• Second Place Chantel Chastelain Martinez,  7th Grade, Twin Creeks MS
• Third Place Jose San Martin, 6th Grade, Dueitt MS

Elementary

• First Place Valeria Ramirez, 4th Grade, Beneke ES
• Second Place Yasil Sosa-Lianas, 5th Grade, Booker ES 
• Third Place Michelle Gonzalez Morales, 5th Grade,  Salyers ES