Spring Branch ISD Featured News

District Spelling Bee Marathon

February 25, 2025 4:45 AM

It all began with 56 spellers from 28 Spring Branch ISD elementary and middle schools sitting on stage in the Westchester Academy auditorium. Nervous foot tapping, leg bouncing and rustling filled the room.

The students were there to participate in the district spelling bee, part of the national Spelling Bee program, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year.

Before the contest began, Linda Bimler from the SBISD Advanced Academics department welcomed the spellers, their families and sponsors in the audience. She congratulated the students on being one of the top two winners from their school spelling bees, earning them a spot on stage. She led the group in deep breathing exercises to ease their nerves and encouraged them to have fun.

Roberta Smiley, SBISD spelling bee coordinator, reviewed the competition rules, explained how to use the microphone and outlined the process for each student's turn. She also led the spellers in warm-up exercises, including shoulder and neck rolls and tongue wiggling. Smiley, a former finalist at the national Spelling Bee, offered words of advice and served as the district spelling bee’s word reader.

Judges for the day were Smiley, Kathleen Grant, Janet Christman and Helen Welter.

Back and Forth

Five hours and 15 rounds later, the contest was down to three spellers. By round 16, only two competitors remained, going back and forth for eight more rounds—sometimes spelling words correctly, sometimes missing. Some of the final words included geocentric, mistletoe, Sasquatch, synchronous, fruticose and troika.

Finally, in the 24th round, Noah Cyrus C.W. from Sherwood Elementary claimed victory, narrowly edging out runner-up Miguel Sada from Spring Branch Middle School.

The winning word: hibachi.

The champion and runner-up each received a trophy, certificate and medal, along with congratulations from the Advanced Academics team, their spelling bee sponsors and family members.

Noah said he was nervous at first but gained confidence as the contest went on. “I got less nervous and more confident as the contest went on,” he said. He noted that the SBISD bee had more contestants and tougher words than the Sherwood Elementary competition. “And there was a bigger audience,” he added.

Smiley said spelling bees typically last 10 to 15 rounds. She was briefly concerned about running out of words from the official list, but it all worked out.

Reflecting on his win, Noah said, “I have felt number one before, but not this much.” His mom added, “He’s number one in our house.”

Next Round

Noah will now train for the area spelling bee, sponsored by Houston Community College, in March. If he is unable to compete, the runner-up will take his place. The top three winners from the HCC bee will advance to the national competition.