Cook Middle School eighth grade student Lorena Badillo correctly spelled the word phalanges in the 10th round of the Middle School Spelling Bee on Feb. 23 at the Berry Center to clinch the championship.

Feb. 27, 2023—Cook Middle School eighth grade student Lorena Badillo won first place by correctly spelling the word phalanges in the 10th round of the annual districtwide Middle School Spelling Bee, held Feb. 23 at the Berry Center. Badillo also participated in the competition in 2022 while in the seventh grade.

Dean Middle School eighth grade student David Le, another two-time bee participant, was the runner-up. Both Badillo and Le will compete in the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee, scheduled for March 25.

“Our middle school spellers were again at their very best which made our district spelling bee a resounding success,” said Jacquelyn Loyd, secondary English and language arts curriculum coach. “This year’s competition went to round No. 10 before Lorena Badillo became the district champion and David Le 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. We look forward to cheering on these two in the HCC Regional Bee.”

Cook Middle School eighth grade student Lorena Badillo, right, correctly spelled the word phalanges in the 10th round of the Middle School Spelling Bee on Feb. 23 to clinch the championship. Dean Middle School eighth grade student David Le 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 28-June 2. Visit Houston Public Media website for more information.

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