Salyards Middle School sixth grade student Sophia Ibraheem, left, and Smith Middle School seventh grade student Vivaan Kadam, right, were named the winner and runner-up, respectively, of the 2024 CFISD Middle School Spelling Bee on Feb. 25 at the Berry Center. Ibraheem will represent CFISD at the Houston Community College Regional Spelling Bee, set for March 22.

Feb. 27, 2025—Salyards Middle School sixth grade student Sophia Ibraheem won first place by correctly spelling the word deliquesce in the 11th round of the annual CFISD Middle School Spelling Bee, held Feb. 25 at the Berry Center.

Smith Middle School seventh grade student Vivaan Kadam was the runner-up. Ibraheem will compete in the Houston Community College Regional Spelling Bee scheduled for March 22.

Bleyl Middle School sixth grade student Luke Kurday was one of two students who represented Bleyl at the annual CFISD Middle School Spelling Bee.

“Our middle school spellers were again at their very best which made our district spelling bee a resounding success,” said Jacquelyn Loyd, secondary reading and sixth grade reading and language arts coordinator. “This year’s competition went to round 11 before naming our district champion and runner-up. All of the students showed how well prepared they were and should be very proud of their accomplishments. Thanks to our parents and teachers for their support of our middle school spellers. We look forward to cheering on Sophia on at the HCC Regional Bee in March.”

The top two spellers from the regional bee will qualify for the Scripps National Spelling Bee set for May 27-29 in the Washington, D.C. area.

Hopper Middle School sixth grade student Ava Cunningham was one of two students who represented Hopper at the annual CFISD Middle school Spelling Bee.

The Spelling Bee champions who represented their respective middle school at the district competition were: