The best young spellers from across Knox County Public Schools gathered to compete in the 2026 Knox County Spelling Bee, showcasing the hard work and academic excellence of elementary and middle school students throughout the district.
Each participating school hosted its own spelling bee earlier in the year, selecting the top two spellers to advance and represent their school at the district competition. This year’s event featured 17 students from nine schools who earned the opportunity to compete for the county title.
Before the competition began, Spelling Bee Coordinator Frank Shelton reminded the students of the accomplishment they had already achieved.
“You are already winners,” Shelton told the contestants. “You have shown your peers that you are the top spellers at your school and they are now cheering you on. While there will only be three winners here today, remember that you have already won.”
After 10 intense rounds of spelling, the competition reached an exciting finish. In round 11, to represent Knox County’s goal of giving 110%, the championship word secured the victory.
Nolabeth Vandy, a 5th grader from Jesse D. Lay Elementary, captured the 2026 Knox County Spelling Bee title by correctly spelling the word “nasal.”
The runner-up was Alydia Miracle, a 5th grader from Lynn Camp Elementary, followed by third place winner Caroline Lebleu, a 5th grader from G.R. Hampton Elementary.
2026 Knox County Spelling Bee Participants
The following students represented their schools in this year’s competition:
Central Elementary: Noah Collett, Serenity Punch
Dewitt Elementary: James Stegall, Ace Kinney
Flat Lick Elementary: Landon Helton, Logan Johnson
G.R. Hampton Elementary: Caroline Lebleu, Jabe Gregory
Girdler Elementary: Jeremiah Woolum, Reed Ely
Jesse D. Lay Elementary: Nolabeth Vandy, Silas Schuh
Knox County Middle School: Rylie Smith, Conner Carmack
Lynn Camp Elementary*: Elijah Phan, Alydia Miracle
Lynn Camp Middle School: Makena Griffin, Harper Jones
The spelling bee relied on the support of several dedicated educators. Christina Bentley, an English teacher at Knox Central High School and college professor, served as the pronouncer for the event.
Judging the competition were Harrison Davis, a retired administrator who continues to substitute in schools; Sheila Terrell, a retired administrator who returned to serve as a director supporting schools; and Amy Pennington, former administrator and current Director of Assessment and Accountability.
Additional support was provided by KCPS staff members Joy McKeehan and Jennifer Carey.
The event was also made possible through the generosity of community partners. The Barbourville Junior Woman’s Study Club sponsored lunch and refreshments following the competition, and Forcht Bank presented the winner with a $100 savings bond.
As Shelton reminded participants at the start of the event, each student who reached the district competition has already proven themselves among the very best spellers in Knox County.
Photo Galleries:
View students in action during the bee
View trophy presentations and random busy bee moments