It was a battle of wits, endurance and sheer determination at the 2025 Spring ISD Spelling Bee, where students from elementary and middle schools across the district took the stage to compete for the title of district champion. What unfolded was a spelling showdown like no other—one that has left the entire district buzzing with excitement.
From the first word, the competition was fierce, with 34 students stepping up to the microphone, each hoping to earn the honor of representing Spring ISD at the 2025 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee. As the rounds progressed, students demonstrated not only their spelling prowess but also their poise under pressure, thrilling the audience with every correctly spelled word.
“We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated in the Spelling Bee,” Spring ISD PK-2 Early Literacy Specialist Rochelle Chapman said. “Their dedication, hard work, and determination truly shined throughout the competition. It takes a lot of courage to compete at this level, and they both demonstrated outstanding perseverance and sportsmanship.”
After more than two and a half hours of competition, the field had narrowed to just two spectacular spellers: Mark Peterson of Bailey Middle School and Derek Espinal of Jenkins Elementary School. What followed was a truly historic duel.
Round after round, Peterson and Espinal went head-to-head, spelling word after word with unwavering focus. The atmosphere in the room grew more electric with each turn at the microphone. The two competitors pushed through an astounding 43 rounds and more than 300 words—a feat rarely seen in local competitions.
Then, in a dramatic twist, the competition reached an unprecedented moment: The judges had exhausted their entire list of prepared words. With no more words left to challenge the spellers, officials decided to hold a runoff competition in two weeks to determine the winner.
“We were absolutely amazed by the first session lasting over 40 rounds,” Chapman said. “ It was an intense and thrilling experience to witness. The level of focus and stamina both students displayed was truly remarkable. It speaks to their preparation and their determination to succeed!”
After a few weeks passed, anticipation built once again as Peterson and Espinal prepared to face off in the tiebreaker round. This time, the competition took place over a virtual Zoom meeting, with both spellers joining from their respective schools, eager to settle the battle once and for all.
The tension was palpable as the two went back and forth, spelling word after word with remarkable confidence and precision. The virtual setting did nothing to diminish the intensity—if anything, it added to the suspense as students, teachers and family members watched in eager anticipation.
For four rounds, Peterson and Espinal continued their impressive display of skill, proving once again why they had emerged as the top contenders. Then, the moment of truth arrived. The final word was announced: diatribe.
With a deep breath, Espinal carefully spelled out each letter, his voice steady and sure. The judges paused for a moment before delivering the verdict—correct!
Smiles were everywhere as Espinal was officially crowned the 2025 Spring ISD Spelling Bee champion. Peterson, ever the gracious competitor, smiled as he received enthusiastic applause for his incredible performance as well.
“I’m very proud of myself,” Espinal said. “I was pretty nervous. I am glad I managed to spell the words right so that I could get to that position.”
With his victory, Espinal now moves on to represent Spring ISD at the 2025 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, where he will face top spellers from across the area. Peterson, having demonstrated outstanding skill himself, will serve as the district’s alternate representative.
“My parents are very proud of me,” Espinal said. “They are very happy I got to that point.”
The 2025 Spring ISD Spelling Bee will be remembered not just for how long the competition lasted but for the incredible determination, sportsmanship and excellence displayed by these young scholars.