Houston-area students represent HCC at National Spelling Bee, with one finishing in top five

Pictured from left to right: Logan Bailey, Haven Orsua and Zachary Teoh competed in 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Houston City College (HCC) is celebrating the success of three exceptional young students who represented the college on the national stage at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. 

One competitor, Logan Bailey, a homeschooled sixth grader, advanced to the finals and secured 5th place in the nation.

As a regional host, HCC brought students from across the greater Houston, Beaumont and Galveston areas for its bee. Local champions advanced to regional competitions.

Fifty students participated in the HCC-hosted regional bee at the West Houston Institute. The top three finishers earned spots at the national bee, joining 247 spellers from across the U.S.

HCC was also represented by Haven Orsua, a sixth grader at Melillo Middle School in Pasadena; and Zachary Teoh, a third grader at River Oaks Elementary School.

“These students represented HCC with excellence, poise and sportsmanship,” said Terri Mosely-Nickerson, interim college operations officer at Coleman College for Health Sciences and regional spelling bee project manager. “Their hard work, determination and commitment to academic achievement are an inspiration.”

Since 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has been the nation’s longest-running educational competition, helping students build spelling skills, expand vocabulary and grow in confidence. 

Congratulations to all three students on their outstanding achievements. 

To see a list of the winner and finalists, visit spellingbee.com.