(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Feb. 9, 2026) — Two El Paso ISD students are being recognized for their exceptional language skills after advancing to the Texas State Spanish Spelling Bee, a prestigious competition that celebrates bilingualism, literacy, and academic excellence.
Shaheli de Silva, a student at Young Women’s STEAM Research and Preparatory Academy, and Ferran Martinez Caloca, a student at Wiggs Middle School, earned their spots at the state level following strong performances at the 2026 Education Service Center Region 19 (ESC19) Regional Spanish Spelling Bee, held Saturday, February 7.
The regional competition brought together top spellers from across the region, challenging students to demonstrate mastery of Spanish spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation in a fast-paced, academically rigorous setting.
The Texas State Spanish Spelling Bee, hosted by ESC19, is a statewide academic event for students in grades 4–8 that highlights linguistic achievement and cultural appreciation. The 2026 state competition is scheduled for June 4 at the Starlight Event Center in El Paso.