Congratulations to all of our 2025-2026 Perry Local Schools Spelling Bee participants. This year, students spelled their way through six rounds, finally naming our winner in the championship round. First runner up goes to 5th grader, Penelope Chongris, who spelled her way through the 6 round. Congratulations to our winner, 7th grader, Alphonse Merk! His championship word, “dirge,” was spelled correctly in the final round. Alphonse will be representing Perry Local Schools at the Lake County Spelling Bee on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Auburn Career Center. Best of luck, Alphonse, at the Lake County Spelling Bee!