Joliet District 86 Celebrates Spelling Bee Achievements

Joliet Public Schools District 86 has announced the winners of its annual spelling bee, held at Pershing Elementary School. Fifth grader Isaac Padilla from Forest Park Individual Education emerged as the champion, while fellow fifth grader Israel Alarcon Carrillo from Singleton Elementary took second place. The competition featured participants representing each of the district’s elementary schools.

The event showcased a total of twelve competitors, including Leonel Hernandez from T.E. Culbertson Elementary, Marlin Garcia from M.J. Cunningham Elementary, Kyiah McKenzie from Eisenhower Academy, Danyella Arthur from Farragut Elementary, Aubree Ciszek from Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Annabelle Cordova from Edna Keith Elementary, Mateo Vazquez from A.O. Marshall Elementary, Angelina Davila from Pershing Elementary, Sofia Aguilar from Sator Sanchez Elementary, Kelia Bell from Carl Sandburg Elementary, Xander Bridgemon from Taft Elementary, and Bently Garcia from Lynne Thigpen Elementary, as well as Gael Rodriguez Zarate from Woodland Elementary.

Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of District 86, expressed her pride in the participants. “All the students did an exceptional job,” she said, noting the challenge of spelling in front of a large audience. “Spelling in front of an auditorium filled with many people is difficult.”

The district also announced plans to send its top junior high spellers to the upcoming 2026 Will County Regional Spelling Bee, scheduled to be held at Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox. Students representing District 86 at this regional event will include Vanessa Vargas-Martinez from Dirksen Junior High, Yaretzi Jacinto from Gompers Junior High, Jude Dougherty from Hufford Junior High’s Individual Education Program, and Julia Yanchick from Washington Academy.

The district’s commitment to fostering literacy and spelling skills among its students is evident through events like the spelling bee, which not only highlights individual achievements but also encourages a sense of community and school spirit. This year’s competition served as a reminder of the talent and determination present in Joliet’s schools, inspiring students to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.