Regional Spelling Bee

The 2026 Regional Bee
On March 25, the winners (or their runners-up) of participating Boone and Winnebago County schools’ spelling bees faced off for the title of Regional Spelling Bee Champion. Since each competitor is already the champion of their school, the very first round started with some really tough words. The night went quickly; the competition was down to seven outstanding spellers after just 45 minutes.
In the end, a 5th grader at Olson Park Elementary spelled his way into third place and a 6th grader from West Middle School took second after a head-to-head battle with our champion from Roscoe Middle School. Along with a trophy and $400 gift card, our winner earned a trip to Washington D.C., where she’ll represent our region at the Scripps National Spelling Bee this May.
Congratulations to the winners and to all of the spellers!
Special thanks to the Eunice Wishop Stromberg Foundation and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, who fund the Regional Spelling Bee every year!



MOMENTS FROM THE 2026 REGIONAL SPELLING BEE
Middle School Program
(Grades 6-8)
Summit Academy’s Middle School Program supports students in grades 6–8 who are facing challenges with attendance, behavior, or school engagement. Designed as a longer-term alternative learning environment, the program offers increased structure, individualized support, and relationship-centered instruction to help students reconnect with their education, build emotional resilience, and gain the confidence to succeed both socially and academically.
With small class sizes and a dedicated team of educators and counselors, students receive personalized guidance and consistent support. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is woven into the daily schedule, while sensory and engagement tools are available to help students manage emotions, navigate conflict, and strengthen peer relationships.
As students make progress, they move through three levels—Blue, Gold, and Eagle—each designed to support growth in academics, behavior, and emotional regulation. Once students meet established goals, they begin the transition process back to their home school, prepared for long-term success.
High School Program
(Grades 9-12+)
Summit Academy’s High School Program serves students in grades 9–12+ who are at risk of academic failure or dropping out. The program is designed to remove barriers to learning and graduation, offering a flexible and supportive environment where students can recover credits, meet graduation requirements, and prepare for life beyond high school.
Each student follows a personalized, future-focused plan tailored to their academic and personal goals. With access to counseling, trauma-informed and restorative practices, and a team of dedicated staff, students receive consistent support and guidance. Regular team meetings help monitor progress, adjust plans, and keep every student on a path toward success.
Upon completion, students either return to their home school or graduate directly from Summit Academy with a diploma from their home district. Our mission is to ensure that every student graduates ready for college, career, and community life.
About the bee
Every year, participating public and private schools throughout Boone and Winnebago counties hold a spelling bee. The winner of each Bee (or the runner-up as their alternate) then moves on to compete in our Regional Spelling Bee, which typically takes place at Harlem High School.
The winner of the bee receives a trophy, a $400 gift card, several smaller prizes, and a trip to Washington DC to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee the following May.
Funding for the Regional Spelling Bee comes from a generous grant endowment from the Eunice Wishop Stromberg Foundation and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.
Join next year
Any elementary or middle school can join the spelling bee! Scripps provides every school who enrolls with all they need to organize their Classroom and School Spelling Bees. The winners then compete at our Regional Spelling Bee.
Though enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is closed, it will open back up again on August 18th, 2026.

Questions? Contact
madelyn glenn
Regional Services Administrative Assistant
(815) 636-3060