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NJ Student Reaches National Spelling Bee Finals
28 May
Summary
- A 12-year-old student from North Jersey will compete in the finals.
- He previously tied for 20th place in the 2025 competition.
- The student is also a published author of climate fiction.
Ishaan Gupta, a 12-year-old seventh grader from Jersey City, is a finalist in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. He will compete on May 28th in Washington, D.C., alongside eight other talented students from across the country and international participants.
Gupta, sponsored by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development, previously competed in 2025, securing a tie for 20th place. His achievements extend beyond spelling; he co-authored a climate fiction book titled "The Martian Miracle: Ivaan and the Climate Crisis" and won a gold medal at the 2024 Hudson County STEM Showcase.
The finals are scheduled for Thursday, May 28th, from 8 to 10 p.m., airing live on ION. The champion will receive a $50,000 cash prize, a commemorative medal, and the Scripps Cup trophy, along with other prizes. Last year's winner was Faizan Zaki from Dallas, Texas, who won with the word 'éclaircissement'.
