Spillane Middle School eighth grade student Alexander Gibson, at microphone, correctly spells the word frugivore in the 19th round of the Middle School Spelling Bee on Feb. 8 at the Berry Center to clinch the championship. Gibson also participated in the competition in 2020 while in the sixth grade.

Feb. 11, 2022—Spillane Middle School eighth grade student Alexander Gibson won first place by correctly spelling the word frugivore in the 19th round of the annual districtwide Middle School Spelling Bee, held Feb. 8 at the Berry Center. Gibson also participated in the competition in 2020 while in the sixth grade.

Cook Middle School eighth grade student Benjamin Trevino was the runner-up participant for the second time in three years. Both Gibson and Trevino will compete in the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee, scheduled for March 14-15.

“Our middle school spellers were at their very best which made our district spelling bee a resounding success,” said Jacquelyn Loyd, secondary English and language arts curriculum coach. “The three-hour competition went to round No. 19 before Alexander Gibson became the district champion and Benjamin Trevino came in as the runner-up. All of the students showed how well-prepared they were and should be very proud of their accomplishments. Thanks to our parents and teachers as well for their support of our middle school spellers. I applaud all of our participants for their hard work and dedication.”

Spillane Middle School eighth grade student Alexander Gibson, left, correctly spelled the word frugivore in the 19th round of the Middle School Spelling Bee on Feb. 8 to clinch the championship. Cook Middle School eighth grade student Benjamin Trevino finished as the first runner-up.

The top two spellers from the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee will qualify for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C., May 29-June 3. Visit Houston Public Media website for more information.

The Spelling Bee champions who represented their respective middle schools at the district competition are: