The School District of Lee County is proud to congratulate Cypress Lake Middle School 7th grader Nihal Gelli for winning the 2026 Lee County Spelling Bee. He will represent Lee County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May to compete for the Scripps Cup.
“When I heard the championship word, I knew right away that I knew how to spell it,” Nihal said. “I realized I had a strong chance of winning.”
Carabiner was Nihal’s winning word at the March 26th Bee. A carabiner is a D-shaped or oblong metal ring with one spring-hinged side that is used especially in mountain climbing as a connector and to hold a freely running rope. Thirty students from 18 schools competed, with Nihal being declared the winner in the 13th round.
“I was very surprised and excited when I realized I had won,” Nihal added. “It took a moment for it to sink in.”
Nihal says he spent his spring break studying word lists every day and felt confident going into the competition. He says he will study and practice every day before the national bee.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program of its kind. It will be held May 26-28 at the iconic DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
The School District appreciates Suncoast Credit Union's sponsorship of the Lee County Spelling Bee, which ensures the local champion can compete in the national bee.