6th Grader Kingston McGhee Named Will County Regional Champion of the Scripps National Spelling Bee
The Will County Regional Office of Education has announced Kingston McGhee, a 6th grader from Crete-Monee Middle School, as the 2026 Will County Regional Champion of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Kingston earned first place after 14 rounds of competition, correctly spelling the winning word “blastema.”
“We are beyond proud of Kingston for this accomplishment. His hard work and focus helped him stand out, and he represents our school community well. This is a moment of great pride for all of us,” said Crete-Monee Middle School Principal Kokona Chrisos.
The regional competition took place on March 17 at Lincoln-Way West High School, bringing together top student spellers from across Will County.
Participants prepared for the competition using Words of Champions, the official 4,000-word study guide provided by the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The event featured Sheri Schubbe as pronouncer, with judging conducted by Chelsea Bowen, Dr. Heather Siegel-Hickman, and Malenie Short.
“The spelling bee represents so much more than memorization. It showcases perseverance, confidence, and a passion for learning,” said Dr. Lisa Caparelli-Ruff, Will County ROE Superintendent. “We are proud of all of our participants, whose dedication and courage to compete exemplify the very best of Will County students.”
As regional champion, Kingston will advance to compete in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The semifinals, scheduled for May 27, and finals on May 28, will be televised on ION Television and held at DAR Constitution Hall. In addition to qualifying for the national stage, Kingston earned a one-year subscription to Britannica Online Premium and Merriam-Webster Unabridged Online. Kingston will also be honored at the Crete-Monee Board of Education meeting on April 14.
“On behalf of the Crete-Monee School District, we want to congratulate Kingston on this outstanding achievement,” said Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese. “Earning the title of Will County Regional Champion in the Scripps National Spelling Bee reflects not only exceptional academic talent but also a true love of learning. This accomplishment shows what our students can achieve when they are engaged and empowered. We cannot wait to cheer on Kingston in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee.”
The Will County Regional Office of Education has sponsored this regional spelling bee for more than 25 years. The competition encourages a love of language and lifelong curiosity while helping students build confidence, preparation habits, and public speaking skills.