Portage County Spelling Bee finalists advance to Akron regional competition

Twelve of Portage County’s top young spellers showcased their skills at the Portage County Spelling Bee, held on February 22, 2025, at James A. Garfield Middle School. These students earned their place in the county-level competition after winning their respective district spelling bees.

This year’s contestants included:

● Rogan Lachowski – Bio-Med Science Academy
● Logan Ritz – Bio-Med Science Academy
● Benjamin Hovancsek – Chimney Swift Homeschool
● Sophia Durst – Crestwood Intermediate School
● Lucia Mager – Crestwood Intermediate School
● Madison Worthy – Field Middle School
● Emily Penney – James A. Garfield Middle School
● Chase Groubert – Mogadore Jr. High School
● Liam Wiker – St. Patrick School (Kent)
● Lonnie Grady – Streetsboro Middle School
● Bruce Nieman – Waterloo Jr. High School
● Kelly Shrigley – Waterloo Jr. High School

After a challenging competition, five finalists emerged and will represent Portage County at the Akron Regional Spelling Bee on March 15, 2025:

● Liam Wiker – St. Patrick School (Kent)
● Lucia Mager – Crestwood Middle School
● Chase Groubert – Mogadore Jr. High School
● Kelly Shrigley – Waterloo Jr. High School
● Benjamin (Benny) Hovancsek – Chimney Swift Homeschool

The Akron Regional Bee serves as the final qualifying round before the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will take place in Washington, D.C., this May. The regional champion will earn the honor of representing our region on the national stage.