Twelve youth participated in the Atchison County Spelling Bee Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Rock Port R-3 School. Lela Wright of Fairfax won the competition, correctly spelling refinery and haphazard to claim the prize. Archer Meyerkorth of Rock Port placed second. 

 

The top two spellers of the Atchison County Spelling Bee, Lela Wright, left, and Archer Meyerkorth, second from left, will advance to the regional bee. Their alternates are Lillie Maupin, second from right, and Tristan Burke, right, both of Tarkio who placed third and fourth respectively.

 

Fairfax eighth grader Lela Wright is the 2026 Atchison County Spelling Bee champion and will advance to regionals.

 

Archer Meyerkorth, a Rock Port eighth grader, placed second in the Atchison County Spelling Bee and will advance to regionals.

 

Lillie Maupin, a Tarkio fifth grader, placed third in the Atchison County Spelling Bee.

 

Tristan Burke, a Tarkio eighth grader, placed fourth in the Atchison County Spelling Bee.

 

Genesis Anaya, a Tarkio sixth grader, participated in the Atchison County Spelling Bee.

 

Jack Bailey is a Rock Port seventh grader who competed in the Atchison County Spelling Bee.

 

Fairfax seventh grader Zailynn Cook competed in the Atchison County Spelling Bee.

 

Frank Kroeger, a Rock Port sixth grader, competed in the Atchison County Spelling Bee.

 

Eli Meyerkorth, a Rock Port sixth grader, competed in the Atchison County Spelling Bee.

 

Fairfax fifth grader Braleigh Stoner was one of the youngest competitors in the Atchison County Spelling Bee this year.

 

Fairfax sixth grader Stella Terry competed in the Atchison County Spelling Bee.

 

Aliyah Wilke, a Tarkio seventh grader, participated in the Atchison County Spelling Bee.