Menand's Student Headed to Regional Spelling Bee

8th grader Mohamed Elhadi wins school competition, will represent district at regional event

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Mohamed Elhadi, an 8th grade student at Menand's School in New York, has won his school's spelling competition and will represent the district at the upcoming regional spelling bee on March 28th. If Elhadi performs well at the regional qualifier, he will advance to compete in the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee.

Why it matters

Spelling bees provide an opportunity for students to challenge themselves academically, build confidence, and potentially advance to higher-level competitions. Elhadi's success highlights the academic achievements of students in the Menands school district and the support they receive from teachers and family.

The details

Elhadi won his school's spelling competition by correctly spelling the word "dictatorship" in front of his classmates. His mother, Rasha Hamid, who works as a teaching assistant at the school, has been a dedicated study partner, helping Elhadi prepare for the regional competition. Elhadi says he plans to continue practicing, as the regional bee will feature "weird" words and a large number of words to study.

  • Elhadi won his school's spelling competition last month.
  • The regional spelling bee is scheduled for March 28th.

The players

Mohamed Elhadi

An 8th grade student at Menand's School who won his school's spelling competition and will represent the district at the upcoming regional spelling bee.

Rasha Hamid

Elhadi's mother, who works as a teaching assistant at Menand's School and has been a dedicated study partner in helping Elhadi prepare for the regional spelling bee.

Menand's School

The school that Elhadi attends, located in Menands, New York, where he won the school-level spelling competition.

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What they’re saying

“If I'm kind of struggling I like sound it out in my head. Try to read more books and practice on your words.”

— Mohamed Elhadi (news10.com)

“Whenever you get the chance, whenever you get a opportunity, do your best. Put all of your efforts in it, and you don't know what might happen.”

— Rasha Hamid, Elhadi's mother (news10.com)

What’s next

If Elhadi performs well at the regional spelling bee qualifier on March 28th, he will advance to compete in the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee.

The takeaway

Elhadi's success in the school spelling competition and his upcoming participation in the regional spelling bee showcase the academic achievements of students in the Menands school district and the support they receive from dedicated teachers and family members. This story highlights the value of academic challenges like spelling bees in building student confidence and skills.