• Phoenix #1 District Spelling Bee Takes Center Stage

  • The Phoenix #1 District Spelling Bee was a huge success, as 26 talented spellers from schools across the district competed for the top spot. Each contestant had earned their place in the event by winning their school’s spelling bee. The competition was strong, with each speller demonstrating impressive spelling skills and composure under pressure. In the end, three students emerged as the top finishers:

    • First Place: Matilda Karnes from Shaw Montessori
    • Second Place: Mila Martinez from Shaw Montessori
    • Third Place: Mateo De Los Santos from Lowell

  • The winning word of the day was coroner, which ultimately sealed Matilda Karnes’ victory. Her correct spelling of the word secured her position as the District Champion, followed closely by her schoolmate Mila Martinez, who earned second place, and Mateo De Los Santos, who rounded out the top three.

    These three finalists have earned the opportunity to represent the district in the Regional Spelling Bee, which will be held on February 6, 2025, at the Madison Center for the Arts, hosted by the Arizona Educational Foundation.

    A huge thank you goes out to everyone who helped make the Third Annual Phoenix #1 District Spelling Bee a tremendous success. From our humanities specialist, Erin Goldberg, to the site spelling bee coordinators, school leaders, judges, support staff, and especially Faith Facio, who made the space welcoming and fun for the competition — this event was truly a team effort. As the spellers were leaving, many shared how much they look forward to returning next year!

    Our Phoenix #1 spellers have set the bar high for the upcoming regional competition, and we are excited to cheer on Matilda, Mila, and Mateo as they represent our district at the next level.

    We also celebrate all of our spellers who participated in the Phoenix #1 District Spelling Bee:

    • Bethune - Adriel Mateas
    • Bethune - Zionah Gonzalez
    • Capitol – Alison Fausto
    • Capitol – Jesus Soto
    • Dunbar – Alex Gutierrez
    • Dunbar – Idrissa Ramazani
    • Edison – Penelope Robles
    • Edison – Alina Penuelas
    • Emerson – Liam Long
    • Emerson – Brooklyn Santos
    • Garfield – Daleyza Ordonez
    • Garfield – Jennifer Palos Munoz
    • Heard – Mila Rodriguez
    • Heard – Sarahi Pascual
    • Herrera – Lorenzo Gomez
    • Herrera – Enoch Lopez
    • Kenilworth – Zoe Reyna
    • Kenilworth – Sierra Hernandez
    • Lowell – Mariah Collins
    • Lowell – Mateo De Los Santos
    • Magnet – Daniela Bolen-Chavez
    • Magnet – Jayde Navarro
    • Magnet – Jahir Cruz
    • Shaw – Matilda Karnes
    • Shaw – Mila Martinez
    • Whittier – Alexa Valenzuela
    • Whittier – Santiago Reyes Gomez