The cloudy Saturday morning of Nov. 8 at Booker Elementary School came alive with cheerful bee-themed yellow and black decorations as Spring ISD hosted its 9th Annual Spanish Spelling Bee featuring the district’s top spellers from elementary and middle schools. Students, families, and staff—including principals and teachers—gathered to celebrate bilingualism, cultural pride, and academic excellence.

This competition is of great importance in Spring ISD, where a thriving Hispanic and culturally diverse community makes events like the Spanish Spelling Bee especially meaningful.

Welcoming participants and guests,  Lettie Houck, Director of Spring ISD’s Multilingual Department, highlighted the purpose of the event and shared its personal significance to her.

“I am so proud to be here and represent our culture in Spring ISD,” said Houck. “As someone who grew up between two languages, I see myself in our students. The Spanish Spelling Bee highlights the beauty and importance of bilingualism and the pride that comes with embracing both worlds.”

After these inspiring words from Houck, there was the warm-up round, allowing participants the opportunity to practice, review the rules, and understand the expectations of the competition.

Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar expressed his enthusiasm for the event and pride in the students’ efforts.

“This is one of the events that excites me the most in our district,” said Cuellar. “Seeing how our students prepare, perform, and give their very best reflects the excellence and determination that define Spring ISD.”

Students faced words ranging from simple, such as peluca (wig), to more challenging, and yuxtapuesto (juxtaposed). Some failed to advance to the next round after omitting just one accent mark.

This was the case for first-time participant María Rodríguez, a fifth-grade student from Heritage Elementary, who was thrilled to show her Husky spirit throughout the competition. 

She shared her excitement about participating in this event and, although she was unable to reach the final, says she will prepare even more for next year.

 “I’m very excited to have been able to participate. I practiced many words at home, trying to spell easy words and others more difficult,” said María. “I want to practice more to participate next year, and not forget the accents like I did this time.”

As the morning progressed, the competition intensified, with each round increasing in difficulty, ultimately producing winners for both the elementary and middle school levels. Fifth-grade student Ryan Lopez from Reynolds Elementary School emerged as the elementary champion.

Ryan was cheered on by his mother Flor Deras, who said she helped her son practice for the competition.

 “It’s always been important to me that Ryan knows Spanish,” said Deras. “It’s part of who we are, and I’ve loved helping him prepare for this competition. Seeing him win makes me so proud.”

This year, the competition was even more exciting with the introduction of a Grand Champion title, awarded to the winner of a final round between the middle school champion and the overall contest winner. Eighth-grade student Leonardo Fonteboa of Bailey Middle School, representing the Buccaneers, earned this prestigious honor. For Fonteboa, the victory was both thrilling and deeply meaningful.

 “I feel so happy and proud! It’s exciting to win for my school, and it’s even more special to be the Grand Champion of the district,” said Fonteboa. “I plan to study hard, practice, and represent the district in the next competition.”

Winners of the Spanish Spelling Bee will have the opportunity to represent Spring ISD at the Region 4 Spanish Spelling Bee in February 2026. Top finalists from each grade level will also advance to the Texas State Spanish Spelling Bee.

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

Secondary

• 1st Place: Leonardo Fonteboa, 8th Grade, Bailey Middle School
• 2nd Place: Hector Cantu Moran, 7th Grade, Springwoods Village Middle School
• 3rd Place: Stephanie Hernandez, 6th Grade, Wells Middle School

Elementary

• 1st Place: Ryan Lopez, 5th Grade, Reynolds Elementary School
• 2nd Place: Romina Rodriguez, 4th Grade, Hirsch Elementary School
• 3rd Place: Valeria Ramirez, 5th Grade, Beneke Elementary School