San Diego Hosts 56th Annual Spelling Bee

78 students from across the county compete in prestigious academic competition

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The 56th Annual Spelling Bee competition was held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA in San Diego. 78 students from throughout San Diego County participated in the prestigious academic event, with 8th grader Benjamin Reinhard from Maranatha Christian School emerging as the champion.

Why it matters

The Spelling Bee is a long-standing tradition in San Diego that celebrates academic excellence and the power of language. The event draws a large audience and media coverage, showcasing the intellectual talents of the region's youth.

The details

During the competition, students nervously waited their turn to take the stage and spell their assigned words. Some used creative techniques like finger motions to help them focus. After a hard-fought battle, the field was narrowed down to the final five competitors, with Benjamin Reinhard ultimately declared the 2026 Spelling Bee champion.

  • The 56th Annual Spelling Bee was held on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • The competition took place at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA in San Diego.

The players

Benjamin Reinhard

An 8th grader from Maranatha Christian School who was crowned the 2026 Spelling Bee champion.

Patricia Elmore Costa

The Bee Pronouncer who read out the words for the students to spell.

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What they’re saying

“Eighth-grader Benjamin Reinhard, 14, from Maranatha Christian School, after spelling his assigned word correctly and being declared the spelling bee champion for 2026.”

— Benjamin Reinhard (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The winner, Benjamin Reinhard, will now advance to the National Spelling Bee competition later this year.

The takeaway

The Spelling Bee continues to be a cherished tradition in San Diego, showcasing the academic talents of the region's youth and the importance of language mastery.