Bradford, Lincoln Students Win Spanish Spelling Bee

SAN ANGELO, TX — Students from San Angelo ISD showcased their Spanish-word mastery at the 2nd Annual Education Service Center Region 15 Spanish Spelling Bee on May 8.

“The Spanish Spelling Bee is a meaningful and empowering event that celebrates the linguistic talents of Spanish-speaking students,” said Dr. Marissa Guerrero, Principal of Bradford Elementary. “I believe this event gave Spanish-speaking students an opportunity to shine.”

This year’s competition featured two divisions: grades 4–5 and 6–8. In the middle school division, 29 students competed across 11 rounds. Melani Lopez, an eighth grader from Lincoln Middle School, earned first place with the correct spelling of “único,” the Spanish word for “only.”

“This year, we saw an exciting expansion in participation, with multiple grade spans competing and more students stepping up to the challenge than ever before,” said Mrs. Castanuela. “With more students engaged, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, determination, and a shared respect for bilingualism.”

The elementary division included 15 competitors from grades 4 and 5. After 17 rounds, Esmeralda Cuevas, a fourth-grade student from Bradford Elementary, took home first place with the correct spelling of “bodega,” the Spanish word for “store.”

“As I watched the final rounds of the Spanish Spelling Bee, I felt a mix of excitement, pride, and admiration for the students on stage,” Dr. Guerrero said. “It was inspiring to see how focused and determined they were, spelling each word with confidence under pressure. I could not help but feel nervous for them with each word they were given, but also incredibly proud of how far they had come. Their hard work and dedication were clear, and it was moving to see them shine in a moment that meant so much. Watching them reminded me of the importance of celebrating language, culture, and the talents of young people.”

2nd Annual ESC Region 15 Spanish Spelling Bee Winners

4th–5th Grade Division

• First Place: Esmi Cuevas – Bradford Elementary, fourth grade
• Second Place: Genesis Martinez – Bradford Elementary, fifth grade
• Third Place: Angel Evarsito Montalvo – Bradford Elementary, fifth grade

6th–8th Grade Division

• First place: Melani Lopez – Lincoln Middle School, eighth grade
• Second place: Jose Ferrusca – Lincoln Middle School, eighth grade
• Third Place: Kay Torres – Lincoln Middle School, eighth grade

The top two winners in each division will now go on to compete in the State Spanish Spelling Bee in El Paso next month.