Spelling Bee
2026 McHenry County Regional Spelling Bee
Congratulations to our 2026 Regional Spelling Bee Champion – Vincent Brendel!
Vincent Brendel is an 8th grader from Saint Mary Catholic School. He had qualified to go to the ROE regional bee in 2023, 2024, and 2025. We are very happy he will get a chance to compete the 101st Scripps National Bee in May. His championship word was lorikeet.
First Runner-Up: Daniel Edens from Saint John the Baptist School
Second Runner-Up: Jonathan Kinkade from Hannah Beardsley Middle School
Regional Bee:
The McHenry County Regional Spelling Bee will have the opportunity to compete on Thursday, March 18, 2026. This event will be held at Richard Bernotas Middle School, 1701 N Oak, Crystal Lake, IL.
National Bee:
The winner of the Regional will move on to the 101st National Spelling Bee, which will take place May 24-29th at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
Questions?
For more information about how your students can participate, if you are interested in volunteering as a judge, or if you’d like to sponsor the Bee, contact Kim Walters at 815-334-3039.
Previous Winners:
2025:
First Runner-Up: Keegan Schultz, Marengo Community Middle School
Second Runner-Up: Ryder Plott, Immanuel Lutheran School
2024:
Champion: Evan Cochrane, Immanuel Lutheran
First Runner-Up: David Koll, Hannah Beardsley
Second Runner-Up: Lucas Fiedorowicz, Bernotas Middle School
2023:
Champion: Vishrut Kinikar, Cary Junior High
First Runner-Up: Neha Gopalakrishnan, Marlow Middle School
Second Runner-Up: Poornika Nag, Lundahl Middle School
2022:
Champion: Travis Melnick, Johnsburg Elementary
First Runner-Up: Lauren Mueller, Johnsburg Junior High
Second Runner-Up: Vishrut Kinikar, Cary Junior High