Crofton Middle Student Wins Third Straight Anne Arundel County Spelling Bee Title

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Quint Karlsson of Crofton Middle School won his third consecutive Anne Arundel County Spelling Bee title on March 7, outlasting 24 other school champions in the 38th annual competition. Karlsson secured the championship in the 22nd round by correctly spelling 'tortillon' and then prevailed in a spelloff against Arman Muhammad of Meade Middle School, who finished second. Melina Tlemsani of Old Mill Middle School North placed third.

Why it matters

The annual county spelling bee is a prestigious academic competition that showcases the spelling prowess of top students in the region. Karlsson's three-peat victory highlights his exceptional skills and the strength of the spelling program at Crofton Middle School.

The details

The Anne Arundel County Spelling Bee is presented by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Office of Secondary Reading, English & Integrated Literacy. This year's presenting sponsors were Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and CareFirst, with co-sponsors Development Facilitators, Inc., Horace Mann, and M&T Bank. With the win, Karlsson will once again represent Anne Arundel County at the 101st Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May.

• The 38th annual Anne Arundel County Spelling Bee was held on March 7, 2026.
• Karlsson won his third consecutive county spelling bee title on March 7, 2026.
• Karlsson will represent Anne Arundel County at the 101st Scripps National Spelling Bee in May 2026.

What’s next

Karlsson will compete in the 101st Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May 2026.