After outlasting hundreds of student spellers across Spring ISD, more than 30 campus champions stepped onto the stage at Dekaney High School’s Star Theater on Feb. 5, each one word away from elimination.

Initially, 780 students competed in campus-level spelling bees, each eager to prove their skills and advance. From that impressive pool, more than 30 campus champions earned the honor of competing at the district level, stepping onto the stage with nerves, confidence and the pride of their schools behind them.

Each participant spent weeks, and often months, studying hundreds of words—practicing at home, working with teachers and preparing themselves for a high-level academic competition. 

“I am incredibly proud of every student who competed in the Spring ISD District Spelling Bee,” Spring ISD early literacy specialist J. Rochelle Chapman said. “These students demonstrated far more than the ability to spell difficult words—they showed dedication, courage, perseverance and a strong commitment to learning. In Spring ISD, we believe in recognizing not just the winner, but the hard work behind the journey. These students are true examples of our district values—’Together in Culture, Together in Accountability.’ They have set a powerful example for their peers and reminded us all that academic achievement is something to be proud of.” 

Throughout the competition, students tackled increasingly challenging words while judges—including district staff and published authors—watched closely. The energy in the room was electric as each round narrowed the field, highlighting not just spelling skills, but perseverance, focus and the dedication Spring ISD students bring to every challenge.

By the end of the night, only one seventh grader remained standing. Dyson Carter, a seventh grader from Twin Creeks Middle School, emerged as the district champion. Layla Martinez from Hirsch Elementary School and Khanh Nguyen

 from Burchett Elementary School tied for second in impressive efforts themselves, both students will be alternates . All three students advanced deep into the competition and represented their campuses with focus and preparation.

Carter described his experience and the nerves that came with stepping onto the stage. 

“At the beginning, I was really nervous,” Carter said. “When I get nervous, I start shaking, my legs won’t stop moving and I feel cold. I had to take sips of water every round just to calm myself down.”

Despite the jitters, Carter’s determination was evident. Each round brought tougher words and mounting pressure, but as the field of competitors narrowed, his confidence began to grow. 

“Around the sixth and seventh rounds, that’s when I really started to feel calmer,” Carter said. “Once fewer people were left, I started to go with the flow.”

Carter’s impressive performance at the district Spelling Bee didn’t happen by chance. Behind every correct word and confident round lies a foundation of consistent effort, focus, and dedication. According to Dr. Desna McDonald, Twin Creeks Middle School English language arts instructional coach, Carter’s success is no accident—it reflects the habits and commitment he demonstrates every day on campus.

“He’s usually carrying two or three books at a time,” McDonald said. “Whenever he finishes his work early, he goes right back to reading. It’s just part of who he is.”

Twin Creeks English teacher Lastell Banks echoed the sentiment, highlighting his natural curiosity and leadership in the classroom.

“He is an energetic and curious student who enjoys being actively involved in class,” Banks said. “He often takes the lead during discussions and puts a great deal of thought into his writing and responses.”

The commitment didn’t stop when the school day ended. Carter’s mother Kedleen Jean shared how he balanced preparation with family life and personal passions.

“Football is our thing — Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays,” Jean said. “But if he didn’t study when he was supposed to, the game was turned off. He also gave up video game time to focus.”

The championship word, braille, carried special meaning after repeatedly challenging Carter during practice.

“When it ended up being my champion word, it felt like sweet revenge,” Carter said.

Looking ahead, Carter is eager to inspire younger students. Plans are already in motion for him to speak with sixth graders about the importance of reading, preparation and perseverance.

“This moment reflects the work our educators and students put in every day,” McDonald said. “It’s a reminder of what’s possible when students commit to their learning.”

Looking back, Carter said the experience changed how he sees himself.

“I learned that if you really commit and put in the time, you can do it,” Carter said. “This was a big growth moment for me.”

Carter will now represent Spring ISD at the 2026 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee on March 28 at the West Houston Institute. From there, students who continue advancing may earn the opportunity to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Spring ISD 2026 Spelling Bee Participants:

• Jackson Cline, Anderson Elementary School
• Evan Reed, Bailey Middle School
• Janet Wonsehleay, Bammel Elementary School
• Chloe Hernandez, Beneke Elementary School
• Laura Farmer, Booker Elementary School
• Khanh Nguyen, Burchett Elementary School
• Rewia Beamon, Clark Elementary School
• Kevin Shelly, Claughton Middle School
• Isabella Arjona, Cooper Elementary School
• Kameryn Alexander, Eickenroht Elementary School
• Keisha Reaves, Heritage Elementary School
• Layla Martinez, Hirsch Elementary School
• Giovanni Rafter, Hoyland Elementary School
• Nathan Zuniga, Jenkins Elementary School
• Myat Bhone, Lewis Elementary School
• Arianna Sorto-Osorio, Link Elementary School
• Kevin Tran, Major Elementary School
• Muhammad Rohaan, Marshall Elementary School
• Tunnie Garcia Green, McNabb Elementary School
• Anthony Saldana, Meyer Elementary School
• Myles Tatum, Northgate Crossing Elementary School
• Malcolm Moses, Ponderosa Elementary School
• Aidan Quezada, Reynolds Elementary School
• Rijhame Whyte, International School at Salyers Elementary School 

• Abigail John, Roberson Middle School
• Elian Rijo, Smith Elementary School
• Derek Espinal, Springwoods Village Middle School
• Paisley Scott, Thompson Elementary School
• Dyson Carter, Twin Creeks Middle School
• Django Garlitos, Wells Middle School
• Christopher Nguyen, Winship Elementary School