DuPage County Crowns Two-Time Regional Spelling Bee Champion

Nineteen top spellers from across DuPage County competed in the DuPage Regional Spelling Bee hosted by the DuPage Regional Office of Education (ROE) on February 19, 2026. After an intense final showdown, Shruthi Ayyagari, an eighth-grade student from Granger Middle School in Aurora, was crowned the 2026 DuPage County Regional Spelling Bee Champion—earning the title for the second consecutive year.
The final rounds came down to two Indian Prairie School District 204 students, Ayyagari and Sachin Jabshetty. Jabshetty, a seventh-grade student from Scullen Middle School, was narrowly eliminated on gendarme, meaning a police officer, which he misspelled by one letter. Ayyagari clinched the victory by correctly spelling telegnosis, a word referring to perception or knowledge at a distance.
The DuPage ROE has coordinated the regional competition since the 2007–08 school year and is an official partner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Amber Quirk, regional superintendent of DuPage schools, was impressed with all the spellers’ performances—and Ayyagari’s in particular.
“Shruthi’s growth as a speller is truly remarkable,” Quirk said. “She was a strong speller last year, but her dedication and discipline are even more evident now. Her performance reflects countless hours of preparation and a deep love of language.”
Jabshetty, who began preparing for the competition just two months ago, also impressed judges and spectators alike. He looks forward to returning next year with hopes of claiming the regional title.
As regional champion, Ayyagari receives an all-expense-paid trip to compete in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, taking place May 26–28, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center located just outside Washington, D.C. There, she will join regional champions from across the country to compete for the coveted Scripps Cup and a cash and prize package totaling more than $50,000.
Despite advances in technology such as spellcheck and artificial intelligence, Quirk emphasized the continued relevance of spelling bees. “Spelling bees foster a deep understanding of language patterns and word origins,” Quirk said. “They also teach perseverance, confidence, and poise under pressure—skills that serve students far beyond the competition stage.”
Dr. Vickie Trotter, the assistant regional superintendent, echoed that sentiment and also expressed appreciation for the sponsors that made the event possible.
“We are incredibly proud of every student who competed,” Trotter said, “and we are very thankful for the generous support of our sponsors, DuPage Credit Union, North Central College, and the Parents as Teachers program.”
DuPage Credit Union’s Chief Experience Officer, Amy Brandt, said they are “honored to support an event that celebrates academic excellence and perseverance.”
As Ayyagari prepares to represent DuPage County on the national stage, her school, district, and the entire DuPage ROE community are cheering her on.
“All of us are proud to have Shruthi represent DuPage County at the National Spelling Bee, and we wish her every success,” Quirk said.