Furlow Charter School crowns 2026 spelling bee champion

You could almost hear the audience holding its breath as each student stepped forward to spell another word at Furlow Charter School’s 2026 Schoolwide Spelling Bee on Friday, Nov. 6. The competition brought together 12 of the school’s best young spellers, representing grades three through eight. Each had already earned a place in the schoolwide competition by finishing first or second in their respective grade-level spelling bees. And from the opening round, it was clear that every student had earned the title of champion. As the competition progressed through nine rounds, the words became increasingly difficult, and the field of contestants gradually narrowed. By the seventh round, just two students remained: sixth graders Izzy Luten and Thiago Duque Barrios. What followed was a suspenseful battle for the championship. Both finalists missed their words in the seventh round, keeping the competition alive. In round eight, both spelled their words correctly.

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