Cupertino Spelling Bee

spelling bee participants
spelling bee participants
spelling bee participants

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, Cupertino Parks and Recreation and the Cupertino Youth Activity Board hosted the City’s annual Spelling Bee. More than 35 students in 2nd through 5th grade participated, demonstrating strong spelling skills throughout the competition.

Congratulations to our winners:

2nd/3rd Grade

  • Winner: Arya Mothe (Winning Word: Cricket)
  •  Runner-up: Smira Athare

4th/5th Grade

  • Winner: Skanda Sadeesh (Winning Word: Interpretation)
  • Runner-up: Kiara Kadambi

Arya Mothe won after 13 rounds, and Skanda Sadeesh won after 12 rounds.

The 2027 Cupertino Spelling Bee will take place in January 2027. More information and registration details will be available in November 2026.

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About Cupertino Spelling Bee

The Cupertino Spelling Bee is an annual contest for Cupertino students, organized by the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Department and the Cupertino Youth Activity Board. This fun, educational event gives students the chance to showcase their spelling skills and compete with their peers in a supportive environment.

Please note the Cupertino Spelling Bee is a local community event and is not affiliated with the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Winners of this event do not advance to or receive sponsorship for the national competition.


Competitor

The Cupertino Spelling Bee features two grade-level divisions to ensure a fair and engaging experience for all participants:

  • Grades 2 to 3
  • Grades 4 to 5

Participants will compete within their designated grade group.

All competitors must be residents of Cupertino. 

Spectator

All audience members must register in advance to attend the Cupertino Spelling Bee. Space may be limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Past Winners
2026

2nd/3rd Grade Category

  • Winner: Arya Mothe with the word "Cricket"
  • Runner-up: Smira Athare

4th/5th Grade Category

  • Winner: Skanda Sadeesh with the word "Interpretation"
  • Runner-up: Kiara Kadambi
2025

2nd/3rd Grade Category

  • Winner: Saisha Jhanb with the word "Capitalize"
  • Runner-up: Vihaan Dora

4th/5th Grade Category

  • Winner: Valentina Chen with the word "Individualize"
  • Runner-up: Nandini Nagarajan
2024

2nd/3rd Grade Category

  • Winner: Skanda Sadeesh with the word "Dumpling"
  • Runner-up: Dhanin Sasikumar

4th/5th Grade Category

  • Winner: Ruhaan Pilani with the word "Limerick"
  • Runner-up: Ira Kushwaha
2023

2nd/3rd Grade Category

  • Winner: _______ with the word "Conference"
  • Runner-up: ________

4th/5th Grade Category

  • Winner: _________ with the word "Ingenious"
  • Runner-up:__________