Spring ISD Names 2026 Spelling Bee Champion After Districtwide Competition at Dekaney High School
Academic achievement took center stage in Spring ISD on Feb. 5 as more than 30 campus spelling bee champions gathered at the Star Theater at Dekaney High School for the 2026 Spring ISD District Spelling Bee.
What began with 780 students competing at the campus level across the district came down to one final word—and one final student standing. Dyson Carter, a seventh grader at Twin Creeks Middle School, emerged as the 2026 Spring ISD Spelling Bee Champion.
For families across Spring ISD, the annual district spelling bee is more than a competition. It reflects the district’s focus on literacy, preparation and accountability—skills that shape long-term academic success.
From Campus Champions to District Stage
After months of preparation, campus winners advanced to the district level, where judges—including district staff and published authors—guided students through increasingly challenging rounds.
Each participant studied extensively, working with teachers and practicing at home to prepare for the high-level academic contest.
“I am incredibly proud of every student who competed in the Spring ISD District Spelling Bee,” said Spring ISD early literacy specialist J. Rochelle Chapman. “These students demonstrated far more than the ability to spell difficult words—they showed dedication, courage, perseverance and a strong commitment to learning. In Spring ISD, we believe in recognizing not just the winner, but the hard work behind the journey. These students are true examples of our district values—’Together in Culture, Together in Accountability.’ They have set a powerful example for their peers and reminded us all that academic achievement is something to be proud of.”
By the final rounds, the field narrowed to just a handful of competitors. Layla Martinez of Hirsch Elementary School earned second place and will serve as the district alternate. Khan Nguyen of Burchett Elementary School placed third.
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Managing Nerves, Finding Confidence
Carter admitted stepping onto the stage brought nerves.
“At the beginning, I was really nervous,” Carter said. “When I get nervous, I start shaking, my legs won’t stop moving and I feel cold. I had to take sips of water every round just to calm myself down.”
As the competition progressed, he settled in.
“Around the sixth and seventh rounds, that’s when I really started to feel calmer,” Carter said. “Once fewer people were left, I started to go with the flow.”
The championship word—braille—had challenged him during practice.
“When it ended up being my champion word, it felt like sweet revenge,” Carter said.
A Daily Commitment to Reading
Educators at Twin Creeks Middle School say Carter’s win reflects habits they see every day.
“He’s usually carrying two or three books at a time,” said Dr. Desna McDonald, Twin Creeks Middle School English language arts instructional coach. “Whenever he finishes his work early, he goes right back to reading. It’s just part of who he is.”
At home, his preparation required balance. His mother, Kedleen Jean, said study time came first—even over football and video games.
“Football is our thing — Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays,” Jean said. “But if he didn’t study when he was supposed to, the game was turned off. He also gave up video game time to focus.”
Carter said the experience shifted his perspective.
“I learned that if you really commit and put in the time, you can do it,” Carter said. “This was a big growth moment for me.”
What Happens Next
Carter will represent Spring ISD at the 2026 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee on March 28 at the West Houston Institute. From there, advancing students may earn the opportunity to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
For Spring ISD, the evening served as a reminder that literacy development begins early—and that consistent effort pays off. As Carter prepares for the next level, younger students across the district are already watching.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on Spring ISD student achievements and Carter’s journey to the regional competition.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.