Local Students Spell Success at Central Minnesota Regional Bee

(KNSI) – Two area students proved they had all the right letters last week, as competitors from Sauk Rapids-Rice and Sartell-St. Stephen rose to the top of the 2026 Central Minnesota Regional Spelling Bee.

2026 Central Minnesota Regional Spelling Bee hosted by Resource Training & Solutions

When the dust settled, Harrison Nguyen, an eighth grader from Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, claimed the championship title. Harrison will represent central Minnesota at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., this May, where spellers from across the country compete during a nationally televised broadcast known as Bee Week.

Hot on his heels was Marien Asia, an eighth grader from Sartell-St. Stephen, who earned second place after a strong showing through the final rounds. Miley Hopwood, a seventh grader from Kaleidoscope Charter School, rounded out the top three.

The competition took place last at Ritsche Auditorium on the St. Cloud State University campus, where 39 students from across the region spelled their way through 12 grueling rounds.

The Regional Spelling Bee is the culmination of a progression of contests that begins at the school and district levels. By the time students reach the regional competition, they’ve already demonstrated months of preparation and commitment.

The event was hosted by Resource Training & Solutions.

___