(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – February 24, 2025) — The stage was set for fierce competition at the El Paso Regional Spelling Bee, held Saturday, February 22, at Andress High School. In a thrilling showdown of intellect and determination, fourth-grader Anaya Tonde from Mesita Elementary School emerged as the champion after correctly spelling the winning word: jicama.
MORE PHOTOS: 2025 Regional Spelling Bee at Andress High School
Anaya’s victory means she will proudly represent El Paso at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., on May 29, 2025—a particularly special event this year as the national competition celebrates its 100th anniversary.
“I feel good,” Anaya said after her win. “I really want to thank my parents because they helped me study a lot. My friends kept telling me that I would win, but I didn’t believe them. I thought I didn’t study enough, but here I am.”
Top Spellers Shine Bright
The competition brought together El Paso’s brightest young spellers from various schools across the region:
2nd Place: Chukwunonso Egbuonu, an 8th grader from St. Raphael Catholic School
3rd Place: Jimena Gamboa, a 7th grader from PR Leyva Intermediate School
Last year’s champion, Chioma Egbuonu, was present to cheer on this year’s participants. Reflecting on her own journey to the national stage, she shared words of wisdom:
“Study, study, and study because it’s a very challenging experience, but in the end, it’s all worth it.”
Judges Celebrate Excellence in Spelling
The event was judged by a panel of distinguished community leaders:
Cristal Acosta, five-time spelling bee alumna from Clarity Counseling Consultation and Wellness, LLC
Karmen Mayorga, representative from El Paso Electric
Trish Ramsey, EPISD Education Foundation board member and Grand Canyon University representative
A Bright Future Ahead
As Anaya prepares for her national debut, El Paso ISD is proud to support her journey and celebrate the achievements of all participants. The entire community will be cheering her on as she represents the spirit of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence on the national stage.
Good luck, Anaya—El Paso is rooting for you!