Abel Hatcher Wins 2026 Lauderdale County Spelling Bee

Magnolia Middle School seventh grader Abel Hatcher outspelled a talented field of competitors to claim first place in the 2026 Lauderdale County Spelling Bee, presented by The Meridian Star.

Hatcher secured the championship in dramatic fashion during the 15th round with the winning word, concierge, showcasing poise, focus, and an impressive command of vocabulary as the competition narrowed.

“I was really nervous, but when I won, I was so excited,” said Hatcher. “I was really happy, it was just an amazing experience.”

When asked what the most difficult word was to spell, Hatcher had this to say.

“It was probably 'concierge' because I was second-guessing myself, but I managed to spell it correctly.”

Students from schools across Lauderdale County participated in this year’s bee, representing grades five through eight. 

The event highlighted not only spelling excellence but also the dedication of students, families, and educators who support academic achievement.

Hatcher credits Magnolia librarian Sally Graham with helping him prepare. “I studied. The librarian at Magnolia Middle School would call me and help me, and the other person at Magnolia Middle School study for the Spelling Bee, he said. 

“In fact, words like concierge and most of the words I actually learned from her.”

With his victory, Hatcher advances to the Online Semi-Finals of the State Spelling Bee, scheduled for February 17–19, 2026. Joining Hatcher will be runner-up Wyatt Livingston and 3rd place speller Olivia Kelly, both from the Lauderdale County School District. 

Top performers from that round will move on to the State Spelling Bee on March 27–28, 2026, at the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. The top two spellers statewide will earn the opportunity to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May 2026.

Also participating in the spelling bee from MPSD were Page Gale, 5th grade, Poplar Springs Elementary School; Alexia Guzman, 6th grade, Magnolia Middle School; Alana Randle, 8th grade, Northwest Middle School; Emmett Stockman, 5th grade, Parkview Elementary School; and Ristian Windham, 5th grade, Poplar Springs Elementary School.

Hatcher has this advice to future spelling bee contestants. 

“Do it, it’s really fun,” he said. “Even if you don’t win, it’s still an amazing experience, and you learn so much. It’s really fun!”

Congratulations to Abel Hatcher on an outstanding achievement, and best wishes as he continues his spelling bee journey.