First-Timer Atanga Takes Charles County Title

The 48th annual Charles County Spelling Bee crowned eighth grader Ethan Atanga of Matthew Henson Middle School as champion March 4 at Piccowaxen Middle School in Issue, Southern Maryland. Atanga, competing in his first county-level bee, outlasted a field of top spellers from public, private, and homeschool programs to earn the title and advance to the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in late May near Washington, D.C.

Anxious anticipation filled the gym as students from eight Charles County Public Schools middle schools, plus private institutions and a homeschool co-op, approached the microphone one by one. Teams of up to three spellers represented each school, advancing from building-level competitions sponsored by Charles County Public Schools, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, and SMECO.

The Final Four included returning 2025 champion Aruuke Rayeva, a seventh grader from Archbishop Neale School; Sebastian Miciano of Milton M. Somers Middle School; Ava Warburton of Southern Maryland Christian Academy; and Atanga. Atanga secured first place with steady confidence throughout the rounds.

“It feels great,” Atanga said. “I was confident the whole time. I just had to give it my all.”

He credited support from family, coaches, and others. “I thank everyone who has helped me and my coaches who have helped me to be great off the court as well,” Atanga said.

His mother, Claudia Bellony-Atanga, expressed pride in his achievement. “I am incredibly proud of Ethan, it’s just the beginning of what he can accomplish,” she said. “I know he will represent his school [and county] well.”

Archbishop Neale School, coached by Laura Schreyer, earned the team plaque for highest points. The other finalists—Miciano, Rayeva, and Warburton—received trophies.

Participating schools and their teams included:

• Theodore G. Davis Middle School — Ceasar Keith, Avery Samuel, Taryn Stills; coached by Delishia Deavis.
• Glymont Middle School — Montez Fiore, Evan Story, Ariah Washington; coached by Shannon Elder.
• John Hanson Middle School — Jordan Lewis, Victor Sagastume Diaz; coached by Kimberle Johnson.
• Matthew Henson Middle School — Atanga, Skylar Cureton, Ryon Ordonez; coached by Debby Holder.
• Mattawoman Middle School — Kalu Girum, Owen Kanhonou, Anshu Shrestha; coached by Chris Rubenstahl.
• Piccowaxen Middle School — Charlotte Fenton, Olivia Hays, William Pouring; coached by Amber Sullivan.
• Milton M. Somers Middle School — Jan Margaux Magauay, Sebastian Miciano, Myka Rizor; coached by Valerie Amend.
• Benjamin Stoddert Middle School — Aidan Brock, Toni Cannon, Caleb Curry; coached by Taylor Covington.
• Private and homeschool entries featured Archbishop Neale School — Rayeva, Eben Schlereth, George Shipley IV; coached by Schreyer.
• Grace Lutheran School — Braxton Armour, Marlie Charles, Dilan Sinclair; coached by Susaye Smith-Weir.
• Neighborhood Creative Arts Center Homeschool Co-op — Chloe Mobley, Eze Onodugo; coached by Georgia Bonney.
• Southern Maryland Christian Academy — Maya Carter, Oliva Namyst, Ava Warburton; coached by Lanaya Ramsey.
• St. Peter’s School — Duke Costello, Elizabeth James, Julianna Pinola; coached by Amanda Cordova-Ross.

The event highlighted Southern Maryland’s commitment to academic excellence through competitive spelling, building skills in vocabulary, focus, and poise under pressure. Charles County participants regularly advance to nationals, representing the region’s strong educational foundation. Atanga’s win marks a strong debut performance from Matthew Henson Middle School, adding to the county’s spelling tradition.

The Charles County Public Schools press release detailed the competition’s structure and outcomes, confirming Atanga’s victory and his upcoming national berth. The bee serves as a qualifier for the Scripps program, which draws top spellers nationwide for intense rounds in the Washington, D.C. area.