Chaitanya Gopi and Sunny Zhang have emerged as the top spellers in Cass County, securing their places in the upcoming state competition scheduled for March 23 in Bismarck. Gopi, a sixth grader from Dakota Montessori School, clinched first place at the annual Cass County Spelling Bee, while Zhang, a seventh grader attending Ben Franklin Middle School, took the second spot. Both students demonstrated remarkable spelling skills among a competitive field.
Event Highlights and Competition Details
The spelling bee took place on February 23 at a local venue, featuring 38 participants from nine different schools. The format included an initial written round, which helped determine the top twelve scorers, who then advanced to a final spell-off. Gopi and Zhang showcased their talents in this challenging final round, ultimately earning the right to represent Cass County at the state level.
In addition to Gopi and Zhang, Emberly Wobbema, an eighth grader from Capstone Classical Academy, secured third place in the competition. Each county in North Dakota is permitted to send two students to the state competition, where they will compete for the title and a chance to represent the state at the prestigious 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.
Both Gopi and Zhang expressed excitement about their upcoming participation in the state event. “I am really looking forward to competing against the best spellers in North Dakota,” Gopi said. Similarly, Zhang shared enthusiasm for the experience ahead, emphasizing the importance of their training and preparation.
Significance of the Competition
The Cass County Spelling Bee is not only a showcase of individual talent but also a celebration of academic achievement among young students. As they prepare for the state competition, both Gopi and Zhang will continue to hone their spelling skills, focusing on challenging words and strategies to excel under pressure.
The annual event highlights the importance of literacy and education in the community, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie among participants. As the two students gear up for the next stage, their journey serves as an inspiration to peers and younger students aspiring to participate in similar events in the future.
With strong support from their schools and families, Gopi and Zhang are set to make their mark in the upcoming state competition. The Cass County community will be cheering for their success as they take this important step toward the national stage.