Cypress Lake Middle School 7th grader Nihal Gelli wins 2026 Lee County Spelling Bee

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

7th grader Nihal Gelli from Cypress Lake Middle School is the winner of the 2026 Lee County Spelling Bee.

According to the School District of Lee County, 30 students from 18 different schools competed. Nihal won in the 13th round.

Nihal's winning word was "carabiner". He's moving on to represent Lee County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

“When I heard the championship word, I knew right away that I knew how to spell it,” Nihal said. “I realized I had a strong chance of winning.”

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the largest spelling bee in the nation. It will be held from May 26 to 28 at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

“I was very surprised and excited when I realized I had won,” Nihal added. “It took a moment for it to sink in.”

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