The energy was electric at Miners Foundry Cultural Center on November 17 and 18, 2025, as Nevada County’s brightest young wordsmiths took the stage for the annual Nevada County Spelling Tournament. Sixty outstanding 5th and 6th grade spellers representing fourteen local public, private, and charter schools, along with forty-nine exceptional 7th and 8th grade spellers from twelve schools, stepped into the spotlight to showcase their talents. The Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Office proudly coordinated and sponsored this traditional academic competition.
Sorrel Marston – Simmons, Mia Ammor, Audra Hoyt (teacher/coach), Onyx Klosterman, Clove Grayson, Cyrus Hinojosa
Adding to the excitement was “Spell Master” Christine McCormick, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services in Nevada County, who volunteered her time and signature finesse to expertly deliver the spelling words for the team contest. She then guided students through the high-stakes Individual Spelling Bee as well.
Shirley Fernandez (teacher/coach) Amaya Hardy, Elsa Grady, Ryan Siver, Charlotte Anderson, Damion Chittock, Scott W. Lay (County Superintendent of Schools)
Each tournament day kicked off with a spirited team competition, with school groups of up to five students battling for top honors. From there, the highest-scoring individual students advanced to the suspenseful Individual Spelling Bee.
| Team Competition Results | |
| 5th/6th Grade Division | 7th/8th Grade Division |
| 1st Place: Nevada City School of the Arts | 1st Place: Union Hill School |
| 2nd Place: Lyman Gilmore School | 2nd Place: Lyman Gilmore School |
| 3rd Place: Cottage Hill/Magnolia School | 3rd Place: Magnolia School |
| Individual Spelling Bee Finalists | |
| 5th & 6th Grade Competitors | 7th & 8th Grade Competitors |
| Allassane Boubacar – Lyman Gilmore School | Adam Braut – Yuba River Charter School |
| Amy Themelis – Seven Hills School | Africa Romero – Mt. St. Mary’s Academy |
| Blake Salter – Union Hill School | Casey Reed – Magnolia School |
| Cooper Rantz – Cottage Hill/ Magnolia School | Damion Chittock – Union Hill School |
| Kai Homan-Miller – Seven Hills School | Georgie Pearson – Clear Creek School |
| Lukas Foster – Cottage Hill/Magnolia School | Isabelle Nasah – Lyman Gilmore School |
| Mia Ammor – Nevada City School of the Arts | Luukas Coleman – Arete Charter Academy |
| Winifred Cassidy – Grass Valley Charter School | Ricci Wright – Magnolia School |
Individual Spelling Champions
Assane Boubacar, Mia Annie, Lukas Foster, Cooper Rantz, Winifred Cassidy, Blake Salter, Kai Homan Miller, Amy Themelis
In the 5th and 6th grade division, Winifred Cassidy (6th grade) was victorious as the first-place champion, followed closely by Blake Salter (6th grade) in second place. Both Winifred and Blake can now advance to the 2026 California State Elementary Spelling Bee Championship, hosted by the San Joaquin County Office of Education, taking place on April 25 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca, CA. Lukas Foster (6th grade) earned a strong third-place finish, while a fourth-place tie was shared by Cooper Rantz (6th grade) and Kai Homan-Miller (5th grade).
The 7th and 8th grade competition delivered equally impressive performances. Luukas Coleman (8th grade) emerged as the first-place champion, with Damion Chittock (8th grade) securing second place. Both students can also represent Nevada County at the 2026 California State Elementary Spelling Bee Championship on April 25. A three-way tie for third place was achieved by Adam Braut (8th grade), Isabella Nasah (8th grade), and Ricci Wright (8th grade).
Heartfelt congratulations go out to each student participant, as well as the dedicated teachers and supportive families who helped make these achievements possible.