COCONINO COUNTY — Words will take center stage as Coconino County School Superintendent Cheryl Mango-Paget hosts the 2026 Coconino County Spelling Bee, a countywide academic showcase celebrating student excellence, preparation, and poise.
The competition will take place Saturday, Feb. 7, beginning at 10 a.m. at Flagstaff High School’s Cromer Auditorium.
Sixteen top spellers from schools across Coconino County will compete word by word for the championship title. The finalists represent a diverse range of public, charter, private and home-education programs and have earned their place through school and regional competitions.
This year’s competitors are: Caleb Bunny, Thomas Knoles Elementary School; Madelynn Clark, Flagstaff Home Educators; Zeke Doughty, Marshall Magnet Elementary School; Erin Ebbers, Mount Elden Middle School; Anya Ebert, Montessori School of Flagstaff; Eisley Garcia, San Fransico de Asis Catholic School; Juliana Hirales, Lura Kinsey Elementary School; Tyla Hoffa, Maine Consolidated School; Leah Johnson, Fredonia Elementary and Middle School; Adriano Mendoza, Flagstaff Junior Academy; Saneela Mirza, Manuel DeMiguel Elementary School; Eusevio “Sevy” Montano, Weitzel’s Puente de Hózhó Elementary School; Liliana Poirier, Charles W. Sechrist Elementary School; Quinn Suzuki, Cromer Elementary School; Loreli Trujillo, Williams Elementary School and Joe Varela, W. F. Killip Elementary School.
The spelling bee promises a fast-paced and engaging competition as students tackle increasingly challenging words before a live audience. Families, educators and community members are invited to attend in person or tune in via livestream on the Coconino County Education Service Agency’s Facebook page at facebook.com/CCESA.ID/live_videos.
Adding to the excitement, the Flagstaff Rotary Club will award cash prizes to first-, second-, and third-place finishers, reinforcing the community’s long-standing support for student achievement and academic enrichment.
For more information or media inquiries, contact Stacy Fobar, Program Coordinator for the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools’ Office, at 928-679-8070 or sfobar@coconino.az.gov.