On June 18, students in Ms. Allie Reifler’s second grade class at Stratford School showcased their spelling skills during an exciting spelling bee.

Springfield resident Lopez, 17, began competing in spelling bees in second grade and was inspired to create the bee after being too old — at age 14 — to compete nationally.

River Oaks second grader and regional spelling bee champion Zachary Teoh, reviews his weekly list of spelling words as he prepares for the national bee in Houston, Monday, April 14, 2025.