Three Kyrene spellers are advancing to the regional spelling bee, and for the family of this year’s district champion, it won’t be the first time. Kyrene School District held its annual spelling bee on Thursday, January 15, showcasing the focus, talent and confidence of students from around the district. 

Josh Garcia, a 7th grade student at Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School, was declared district champion after he correctly spelled the anticipated championship word “harbinger.” Josh follows in the footsteps of his older sibling, Isabelle, who won the district bee the past two years in a row and went on to compete in the national bee.

Ismail Aslam, 8th grader from Akimel A-al, and Laura Hoyt, 7th grader from Altadeña, tied as district runners-up. Josh, Ismail and Laura will all represent Kyrene at the Maricopa County Region I Bee, with the hopes of continuing to the State Spelling Bee in March. 

A total of 25 Kyrene students competed in the district bee after winning their individual school spelling bees. Kyrene congratulates all spellers who competed and wishes Josh, Ismail and Laura good luck and good spelling!

Kyrene School District will host the Maricopa County Region I Bee on February 21, 2026. The top two spellers from the regional bee will continue to the Arizona State Spelling Bee where they will compete for a spot at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

District Bee Winner: Josh Garcia (7th, Pueblo)

From left to right:
District Runner Up: Laura Hoyt (7th, Altadeña)
District Runner Up: Ismail Aslam (8th, Akimel A-al)
District Winner: Josh Garcia (7th, Pueblo)