Record breaking spelling bee ends with Cave Spring Middle School student crowned champion
Roanoke, Virginia – A sixth-grade student from Cave Spring Middle School made local academic history after winning the 2026 Roanoke County Spelling Bee in a marathon contest that stretched far beyond anything seen before in the school division.
Ashvin Pinnamaraju claimed the championship title after an intense showdown with eighth-grader Rory Grant of William Byrd Middle School. The victory came one year after Grant narrowly defeated Pinnamaraju in the 18th round to win the 2025 title and later advance to the semifinal round at the national spelling bee — the deepest run ever by a Roanoke County student.
A historic duel lasting 73 rounds
This year’s competition turned into a dramatic rematch between the two standout students. After round 23, Pinnamaraju and Grant were the only competitors remaining. What followed was an extraordinary back-and-forth duel that lasted 50 additional rounds, bringing the total to 73 rounds, the longest spelling bee in Roanoke County Public Schools history.
The contest finally ended when Pinnamaraju correctly spelled “certiorari,” a legal term referring to a writ or order by which a higher court reviews the decision of a lower court. With that word, he secured the championship and earned the opportunity to compete at the regional spelling bee at Radford University in March. Grant will serve as the alternate.
Officials praised both students for their endurance and preparation. “This was unlike any spelling bee we’ve ever seen,” said Joe LeGault, supervisor of English for Roanoke County Public Schools. “The former record was 63 rounds and that was during a previous format where many more students were participating. This was an astounding performance by both students,” LeGault said.
Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely also commended the competitors, stating, “Ashvin and Rory were simply amazing. For round after round, these two incredibly talented students correctly spelled word after word. I could tell they both put in hours and hours of practice and study and it showed. Rory was a great champion last year and I know Ashvin will be a great representative for Roanoke County Public Schools this year.”
The historic competition highlighted both academic excellence and remarkable perseverance, leaving a memorable mark on Roanoke County schools and setting a new benchmark for future spelling bees.
