Rehoboth Elementary Students Shine at School Spelling Bee

Rehoboth Elementary School held its annual Spelling Bee on January 22, showcasing the spelling skills, focus, and determination of fourth- and fifth-grade students.

The competition followed the Scripps Spelling Bee format, beginning with classroom-level bees that produced winners from the fourth and fifth grade classes, who then advanced to the school competition. Students competed through multiple rounds, with the field narrowing to just six students by Round 6, highlighting the high level of preparation among this year’s participants.

After eight competitive rounds, Campbell Allen, a fifth-grade student, was named the Rehoboth Elementary Spelling Bee Champion. Campbell secured first place with the winning word “Cubism.” Her victory follows a strong showing in last year’s competition, where she earned third place in 2025. As school champion, Campbell will advance to represent Rehoboth Elementary at the Regional Spelling Bee in Dover this March.

The competition then continued through Round 10, where Jack Spittler, also a fifth grader, earned runner-up honors after correctly spelling “Diablo,” when others in that round were eliminated. “Watching our students grow in confidence and take on a challenge like the Spelling Bee is incredibly rewarding,” said fifth-grade teacher and spelling bee coordinator, Tina Windsor. “Their dedication, perseverance, and willingness to push themselves truly reflects the hard work they put into learning every day.”

Campbell’s achievement is especially meaningful given her personal journey. Shortly after turning two years old, she was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and underwent major surgery to remove a lacrosse ball size tumor from her cerebellum, followed by years of medical treatment and recovery. Despite facing multiple surgeries, infections, hospital stays, and challenges early in life, Campbell has shown remarkable resilience. This past summer, she was officially declared cancer-free, and today she is thriving academically and personally, despite having a gap in the back of her brain that while it’s closed significantly, will likely never close completely. “Campbell’s success is about so much more than spelling,” said Mrs. Windsor. “Her perseverance, resilience, and positive spirit shines through in everything she does. Knowing the challenges she has overcome makes this achievement especially meaningful, and she serves as an inspiration to her classmates and everyone who has the privilege of teaching her.”

Rehoboth Elementary School congratulates all Spelling Bee participants for their hard work and dedication and extends best wishes to Campbell as she advances to the regional level!