Milano wins Minerva Middle School spelling bee in 12th round

Sixth-grader Nora Milano won the 2026 Minerva Middle School Spelling Bee Feb. 11, claiming the title in the 12th round by correctly spelling “hypocritical.”

Sixth-grader Aurora Johnson finished second.

The 31st annual event featured 17 finalists who advanced from a pool of 428 middle school students after scoring in the top tier on two written qualifying exams.

Milano will represent the Minerva Local School District at The Canton Repository Regional Spelling Bee at 1:30 p.m. March 7 at Kent State University at Stark, Frank Road.

Minerva Middle School Principal Josh Morckel served as the event’s emcee, pronouncer and coordinator. Judges were Nicole Chaddock and Jennah Karmazin.

“The MMS community is very proud of all of our spellers, as everyone did a fantastic job. Congratulations to Nora Milano, our new champion,” Morckel said.

Morckel also thanked the judges and event sponsor Minerva Pizza Hut, which provided a personal pan pizza to each contestant.

Round-by-round results

Round 1: Erika Campbell (minnos); Alana Toussant (sugra).

Round 2: Silas Coldwell (chocalate); Liam Duncan (surispe).

Round 3: Aidyn Kerns (faboluos).

Round 4: Lucy Blum (rickety); Destiny Troyer (pedatrich); Clara Smith (noticly).

Round 5: Makaylee Toot (susipicoius); Madison Grindle (nomand).

Round 6: Amelia Whiteleather (covorting); Madison Yoder (prestigious).

Round 7: Kendall Horn (widdle); Bryce Horn (disclip).

Round 8: No eliminations. Round 9: Josie Willison (sporadic).

Round 10: No eliminations.

Round 11: Aurora Johnson (hyperventil).