Grade Level Champions Emerge in East St. Louis Spelling Bee

District 189 honors grade-level champions, recognizing academic excellence and student dedication across multiple schools.

Feb 14, 2026 8:15 AM

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 recognized a slate of grade-level champions from its District Spelling Bee, praising students for their “dedication, preparation, and courage to take the stage” this week.

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The district announced the winners in a message that celebrated “academic excellence across our schools” and listed champions in three divisions: 3rd and 4th grade, 5th and 6th grade, and 7th and 8th grade.

“We are incredibly proud of our outstanding students who competed in this year’s District Spelling Bee,” the district said in a statement. “We applaud each participant for their hard work and thank our teachers and families for supporting our scholars every step of the way.”

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In the 3rd and 4th grade division, the district named Terrance Sawyer of James Avant, D’Aysia Scott of Paul Laurence Dunbar, and JoSunda Lister of Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence as winners.

In the 5th and 6th grade division, the winners were Olivia Johnson McNeely of Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence, Asha Taggert of James Avant, and Makayla Washington of Mason/Clark.

In the 7th and 8th grade division, the district listed Devin Westbrook of Lincoln, Aden Mumphard of Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence, and Kenzel Webber of Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence.