Congratulations to Hailey Zuniga, a 7th grader from Russell Middle School, for winning the Barrow County School System 2026 District Spelling Bee!

The runner-up is Jude Bastedo, a 8th grader from Arts & Innovation Magnet Program. If Hailey is unable to compete in the Region 3 competition, Jude will take her place as the BCSS representative.

We wish Hailey good luck for the next round and congratulate all of our 2026 school level Spelling Bee champions and alternates!

AES- Adelina Hajrizi - 5th Grade

ARES- Hellen Perez-Garcia - 4th Grade

BES- Razaq Balogum - 5th Grade

BRES- Cooper Corbett - 5th Grade

CLES - Aaliyah Mitchell - 5th Grade 

HES - Joshua (JB) Massey - 5th Grade

KES- Anais Pough - 5th Grade

SES- Jocelyn Melchor-Hernandez - 4th Grade

WES- Josiah Riley-Woodall - 5th Grade

YES- Riley Powers - 5th Grade

AIM- Jude Bastedo - 8th Grade

BCMS- Adaleigh Carter - 7th Grade

HMMS- Jackoby Daniel - 8th Grade

RMS- Haailey Zuniga - 7th Grade

WMS- Londynn Stewart - 6th Grade

 

Also, thank you to the many individuals who make our spelling bees a success - along with all the teachers, families, and administrators who support these amazing students!