Kyrene recognizes Super Students and advances spelling bee champions to county round

The Kyrene Elementary School District governing board opened its meeting by recognizing students from across the district as "Kyrene Super Students" and by honoring the winners of the district spelling bee.

Superintendent Laura Tenias presented a series of school nominations and certificates recognizing students who exemplify the district's "Portrait of a Kyrene Kid" attributes, including communicator, collaborator, adaptable learner, critical thinker, problem solver and community contributor. The district noted sponsors for tokens of appreciation including Sky Zone, Zeke's Pizza, Jeremiah's Ice and the Kyrene Foundation.

Jamie Jingel, director of academic equity and excellence for grades 4'8, presented the results of the 2025 Kyrene district spelling bee. For the second consecutive year, Isabel Garcia, an eighth grader at Kyrene Del Pueblo Middle School, won the district championship and secured first place by correctly spelling the championship word. Second place went to Kateri Peterson, a seventh grader at Kyrene Altadena Middle School. Two students tied for third: Brie Caruso, a sixth grader at Kyrene Delos Menitas Innovation Academy, and Alejandro Santana, a fifth grader at Kyrene Delos Lagos Dual Language Academy. The four students will advance to the Maricopa County Spelling Bee on Feb. 15.

Board members congratulated the students and their families. The district said a short video and photos would be posted on school and district channels and encouraged families to check school calendars for upcoming events such as family conferences and National School Counseling Week.