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Superintendent Stalking lauds speller, stresses literacy and safety in year-end message
Summary
Merced City School District Superintendent Stalking congratulated a Hoover Middle School speller for placing 10th at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, outlined continued district priorities on literacy and safety, and urged families to keep students reading over the summer.
Superintendent Stalking delivered the Merced City School District's final monthly message of the year, congratulating students and outlining priorities for the 2025–26 school year.
Stalking opened by praising Hoover Middle School student Lawrence Yay for his performance at the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee. "Lawrence, truly amazing and just such a moment of pride for our entire Merced City School District," Stalking said, noting Lawrence finished 10th out of 243 spellers.
The superintendent recounted Lawrence's round-one word — "Ula" — and offered a brief explanation of the term during the message. Stalking said the district is proud of students who represent their schools at national competitions.
Looking back on their first year, Stalking thanked families, staff and community partners for their support and collaboration. "It has been such a warm welcome and an incredible year," Stalking said, and added they look forward to continuing the district's work next year.
Stalking said the district will continue to prioritize literacy, building relationships and both physical and social-emotional safety for students. "We will continue our priorities to foster literacy for all of our students, focus on safety and well-being at our school community and within our organization, as well as continuing to foster and sustain positive relationships with all of our educational partners and school community," Stalking said.
As the school year ends, Stalking encouraged families to keep up daily reading during the break and to take part in district summer programs. The superintendent mentioned they plan to read a book called Parker by David Doyle and to read a children's title to their grandson during the summer. Stalking also congratulated Given Elementary for winning the district attendance challenge and encouraged students to "dance your way through the summer."
