Indian Prairie Student Heading to Scripps National Spelling Bee for Second Time

Shruthi Ayyagari, an eighth-grader, will compete in the prestigious national competition in May.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Shruthi Ayyagari, an eighth-grader at Francis Granger Middle School in Indian Prairie School District 204, is headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the second consecutive year. Shruthi secured her spot at the 2026 DuPage County Regional Spelling Bee, where she correctly spelled the word "telegnosis" to take first place. She will compete against hundreds of the best young spellers from across the country and globe when the national competition takes place on May 27 in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is one of the most prestigious academic competitions for students, drawing participants from around the world. Shruthi's return to the national stage for a second year in a row is a testament to her dedication and skill as a speller, and highlights the strong academic programs in the Indian Prairie School District.

The details

Shruthi first became interested in spelling when she asked her mother for a dictionary at a young age. After watching the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee, she became determined to compete at that level. Last year, Shruthi tied for 89th place at the national competition, losing in the fourth round. This year, she is aiming to make it to the finals.

  • Shruthi will compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 27, 2026.
  • Shruthi secured her spot at the national competition by winning the 2026 DuPage County Regional Spelling Bee on February 19, 2026.

The players

Shruthi Ayyagari

An eighth-grader at Francis Granger Middle School in Indian Prairie School District 204 who is headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the second consecutive year.

Indian Prairie School District 204

The school district that Shruthi Ayyagari attends, known for its strong academic programs.

Scripps National Spelling Bee

One of the most prestigious academic competitions for students, drawing participants from around the world to compete in spelling.

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What they’re saying

“It was like second nature to them. I wanted to be more like the winner, and I wanted to see how far I could get.”

— Shruthi Ayyagari (chicagotribune.com)

“It still kind of hasn't registered to me that I'm going to Scripps for the second year in a row. I feel very proud of myself that I'm going to Scripps but I also feel nervous to attend and spell there in front of hundreds of people.”

— Shruthi Ayyagari (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The Scripps National Spelling Bee will take place on May 27, 2026, where Shruthi Ayyagari will compete against hundreds of other top spellers from across the country and globe.

The takeaway

Shruthi Ayyagari's return to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for a second consecutive year demonstrates the academic excellence and strong spelling programs within the Indian Prairie School District. Her dedication to improving her spelling skills and competing at the highest level is an inspiration to students across the region.