Delaware Student Wins Regional Spelling Bee, Advances to National Finals

Siara Husain of the Islamic Academy of Delaware will represent the state at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Siara Husain, a student at the Islamic Academy of Delaware, won the Delaware regional spelling bee organized by First State Educate. Husain outlasted a field of talented students from schools across the state to earn the opportunity to represent Delaware at the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals in Washington, D.C. later this year.

Why it matters

Spelling bees play an important role in promoting reading proficiency and vocabulary development among students, which are key skills for academic success. The Delaware regional competition highlighted the growing focus on literacy and language skills in the state's education efforts.

The details

Husain captured first place in the Delaware regional spelling bee, while Nathan Lang of Delaware Valley Classical School finished second and Brandon Zhang of North Star Elementary School earned third. The event featured standout performances from several other students, including Kulma Atuguba of Red Lion Christian Academy.

  • The Delaware regional spelling bee was held this week.
  • Husain will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals in Washington, D.C. later this year.

The players

Siara Husain

A student at the Islamic Academy of Delaware who won the Delaware regional spelling bee and will represent the state at the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals.

Nathan Lang

A student at Delaware Valley Classical School who finished in second place at the Delaware regional spelling bee.

Brandon Zhang

A student at North Star Elementary School who earned third place at the Delaware regional spelling bee.

Kulma Atuguba

A student at Red Lion Christian Academy who had a standout performance at the Delaware regional spelling bee.

First State Educate

The organization that organized the Delaware regional spelling bee.

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What’s next

Siara Husain will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals in Washington, D.C. later this year.

The takeaway

The Delaware regional spelling bee showcased the academic excellence and literacy skills of the state's students, highlighting the importance of programs that promote reading proficiency and vocabulary development as part of Delaware's broader education efforts.