Puerto Rico’s Spelling Stars Shine in National Bee Centennial

Six exceptional students from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Americas schools showcased their spelling prowess at the statewide final of the National Spelling Bee Regional Final this year. Representing Antilles Middle School at Fort Buchanan and Ramey Unit School at Ramey Base, these young wordsmiths took the stage in a competition that marks a significant milestone: the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s centennial celebration, making it the oldest academic contest in the United States.

Antilles Middle School boasts a storied legacy in the Bee, with participation records dating back at least 40 years. Miray Ramy, the school’s Advanced Academics Programs and Services resource teacher, has coordinated the event for 14 years, nurturing a tradition of excellence. This year’s standout spellers from Antilles include Emelee, a two-time returning champion; Micaela, a sixth-grader and first-time champion; and Isabella, a seventh-grader and two-time returning champion who tied for fourth place in the regional final.

Meanwhile, Ramey Unit School has cultivated its own spelling tradition under the guidance of Ivon Rivera, a fifth-grade teacher and passionate literacy advocate. For the past three years, her students have competed in local school contests, expanding to the national level over the last two. This year’s advancing Ramey spellers are Gustavo, Luis, and Nicole. Rivera sees the Bee as a vital opportunity for students to sharpen their spelling, broaden their vocabulary, and hone English skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

The regional final drew 78 students from across Puerto Rico, all vying for a single spot to represent the island at the national competition in Washington, D.C. Beyond perfecting spelling, the Bee celebrates the power of words—fostering literacy, communication, and a love for learning. “Words are transformative,” Rivera said, echoing Ramy’s hope to expand participation and inspire students to embrace books and the discipline of championship-level spelling.

This mission aligns seamlessly with DoDEA’s literacy standards, which prioritize reading, speaking, and language mastery. The Bee offers a dynamic platform where students can develop these skills in a spirited yet supportive setting, cultivating a lifelong passion for knowledge.

Both schools beamed with pride as their champions demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication, bringing recognition to their communities. For these young spellers, the journey is about more than just words—it’s about the magic they unlock, one letter at a time.

Ramy and Rivera are part of the statewide Scripps National Spelling Bee Advisory Board and will be collaborating alongside island-wide educators to expand the Bee in 2026-2027 to include Book Bowls and Vocabulary quizzes. Their leadership in developing more learning opportunities for students supports DoDEA's literacy standards, fostering a culture of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.