Vikyath Tanamala, Belmont Ridge Middle School, won the 44th Annual Loudoun County Public Schools Regional Spelling Bee on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Rock Ridge High School.
Vikyath Tanamala, a 6th -grade student, earned the title after 16 rounds of competition, edging out Dhiya Sudhakar, a 6th -grade student from Gum Spring Middle School. This is the second year in a row that Viky has won the regional bee.
The winning word was peccant (adjective), meaning guilty of moral offense; sinning; corrupt.
Both students will now advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, scheduled for May 25–28, 2026, at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Students from across the nation will compete on national television, showcasing their spelling and vocabulary skills.
“The Spelling Bee reminds us how powerful words can be,” said Dr. Aaron Spence, Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent. “With word study and practice, students build confidence, strengthen communication skills and discover the joy of learning, with a focus and resilience that will serve them well far beyond this competition. We are proud of every student who participated.”
To learn more about the LCPS Regional Spelling Bee, visit the Spelling Bee web page. For information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, visit their website.