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Bee Successful: GPS Students Shine at District Spelling Bee

Bee Successful: GPS Students Shine at District Spelling Bee
Tristan Chavez

On January 22, 2026, students from across Gilbert Public Schools took center stage during the District Spelling Bee, showcasing their perseverance and strong knowledge of language. After advancing through classroom and school-level competitions, students earned a spot at the district event, where they competed through multiple rounds to determine the district’s top spellers. 

To reach the final stage of the GPS District Spelling Bee, students progressed through four preliminary rounds to narrow the field to eight finalists. Another 7 rounds determined the top 3 competitors, with a final 12th round securing the championship.

A group of people, all wearing yellow shirts, standing on a stage in a dimly lit theater setting.

The district’s top 8 finishers include:

  • 1st Place: Keilani Torbert (8th Grade), Gilbert Classical Academy
  • 2nd Place: Tom Sollis (5th Grade), Meridian Elementary
  • 3rd Place: Keira Algabre (5th Grade), Neely Traditional Academy
  • 4th Place: Josiah Randle-Wilkins (6th Grade), Canyon Rim Elementary
  • 5th Place: August Richards (7th Grade), Gilbert Accelerated Middle School
  • 6th Place: Brooke Grobels (8th Grade), South Valley Junior High
  • 7th Place: Stella Nabboud (8th Grade), Mesquite Junior High
  • 8th Place: Graham Geohagan (6th Grade), Burk Elementary

All eight students will represent Gilbert Public Schools at the regional spelling bee in Queen Creek on February 12.

From thoughtful word analysis to steady daily practice, top finishers share what helped them succeed at the District Spelling Bee. 

Be Prepared
To start preparing for the spelling bee, students begin with grade-appropriate word lists and advance to more rigorous school-level study materials - including Words of the Champions, a 4,000-word resource that emphasizes understanding word origins, structure, and meaning. 

“The spelling bee is a powerful academic tradition that’s been part of schools for more than a century,” said Kelly Morgan, media specialist at Gilbert Elementary. “It’s not just about memorizing words. Our students learn how language works by studying word origins, meanings, and patterns, and those skills support reading, writing, and critical thinking far beyond the competition.”

Photo of Tom Sollis

Be Intentional
Kelani Torbert, 2026 GPS Spelling Bee Winner and 8th-grade student at Gilbert Classical Academy, says that slowing down and using the information provided during the competition is what helped her succeed. Asking for definitions, recognizing patterns within words, and connecting roots to stories - including mythology - helped her turn unfamiliar words into manageable challenges. 

Be Consistent
Runner-up Tom Sollis, a 5th-grade student at Meridian Elementary, focused on consistency, studying for approximately 40 minutes each day using the Word Club app to build confidence over time.

Families are encouraged to see learning in action across Gilbert Public Schools. Throughout February and March, schools across the district are hosting open houses, kindergarten events, and family preview nights designed to help parents explore academic programs, meet staff, and learn more about their neighborhood schools. To find an event near you, visit GilbertSchools.net/Calendar.