Esther Lin Wins 97th Annual Akron Spelling Bee

Revere Middle School student takes home top prize at regional competition

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:19pm

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Esther Lin, an 8th grader at Revere Middle School, emerged victorious at the 97th annual Akron Beacon Journal Regional Spelling Bee held at the Akron Public Library on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Lin correctly spelled the word "nutation" to clinch the championship after a hard-fought competition featuring over 70 students from across the Akron region.

Why it matters

The Akron Beacon Journal Regional Spelling Bee is a long-standing tradition that showcases the academic excellence of local students. Winning this competition is a significant achievement that can open doors to further educational and scholarship opportunities. The event also generates community pride and interest in the region's schools.

The details

The spelling bee featured 72 students from 35 different schools in the Akron area. Competitors ranged from 4th to 8th grade and represented a diverse set of public, private, and parochial institutions. After several rounds of increasingly difficult words, the final three contestants were Esther Lin, Lucas Lebo of Black River Middle School, and Ryan Milford of Wadsworth Middle School. Lin ultimately prevailed by correctly spelling "nutation", a term referring to a slight, periodic wobble in the axis of rotation of a spinning object.

  • The 97th annual Akron Beacon Journal Regional Spelling Bee took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • The competition began at 1:00 PM and lasted for over 3 hours before Esther Lin was declared the winner.

The players

Esther Lin

An 8th grade student at Revere Middle School who won the 97th annual Akron Beacon Journal Regional Spelling Bee.

Lucas Lebo

A student at Black River Middle School who finished as the runner-up in the spelling bee.

Ryan Milford

A student at Wadsworth Middle School who placed third in the regional spelling competition.

Duane Dobson

The pronouncer who read the words to the spelling bee contestants.

Joe Thomas

A judge at the spelling bee and the senior news director for the Akron Beacon Journal.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Akron, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

Esther Lin will now advance to represent the Akron region at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will be held in Washington, D.C. in May 2026.

The takeaway

The Akron Beacon Journal Regional Spelling Bee continues to be a source of pride and academic achievement for students in the Akron area. Esther Lin's victory demonstrates the caliber of young scholars in the region and the importance of programs that challenge and celebrate educational excellence.