Fifth Grader Wins IPS District Spelling Bee

Benjamin Lee from Theodore Potter School 74 clinches title, advances to regional competition.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Benjamin Lee, a 11-year-old fifth grader at Theodore Potter School 74, won the IPS District Spelling Bee on Tuesday, correctly spelling the word "acacia" to claim the title. Lee and the top 10 finalists will now advance to the regional spelling bee at IU Indy next month, with the regional champion representing central Indiana at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters

The IPS Spelling Bee serves as a celebration of literacy and student achievement, providing a platform for the district's top spellers to showcase their skills and compete for the chance to represent their community at the national level.

The details

A total of 38 spellers representing 19 Indianapolis Public Schools competed in the district-wide spelling bee at Arsenal Tech High School. Lee clinched the title by correctly spelling the word "acacia", which refers to a group of fast-growing trees and shrubs native mainly to warm regions such as Australia and Africa.

  • The IPS District Spelling Bee took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The regional spelling bee at IU Indy is scheduled for next month.
  • The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee will be held in Washington, D.C. in May.

The players

Benjamin Lee

A 11-year-old fifth grader at Theodore Potter School 74 who won the IPS District Spelling Bee.

IPS

Indianapolis Public Schools, the district that hosted the spelling bee competition.

Scripps National Spelling Bee

The national spelling bee competition that the regional champion will represent central Indiana in.

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What’s next

The top 10 finishers from the IPS District Spelling Bee, including champion Benjamin Lee, will advance to compete in the regional spelling bee at IU Indy next month. The regional champion will then represent central Indiana at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May.

The takeaway

The IPS Spelling Bee showcases the academic excellence and literacy skills of the district's top young spellers, providing them with the opportunity to compete at the regional and national levels and represent their community with pride.