NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHINO VALLEY 8th GRADER REBECCA CAULKINS WINS 2026 YAVAPAI COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Twenty-four spellers qualified in this year’s county competition by winning their local school-based bee. The county bee is effectively a “Tournament of Champions,” with students coming from school districts, charter schools, private schools, and from the home school community. Heritage Middle School 8th grader, Rebecca Caulkins, emerged as champion in Round 11 during the 80th annual Yavapai County Spelling Bee, Saturday, February 7th, in the Phillip England Performing Arts Center in Camp Verde.
Three outstanding spellers finished second, third and fourth respectively: 6th grader Sierra Gagnon of Camp Verde Middle School, 7th grader AnnaBelle Gray of Bagdad Middle School, and 6th grader Miles Hall of Granite Mountain Upper Elementary School. Winners receive engraved plaques and checks totaling $750 that ranged from $300 to $100, based on place in the bee. All students received medals for competing.
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