2026 Texas SSB Winners Announcement
ADRIANNO PINEDA CROWNED 2026 TEXAS STATE SPANISH SPELLING BEE CHAMPION AFTER 17 ROUNDS OF COMPETITION
EL PASO, Texas — Education Service Center Region 19 (ESC19) proudly announces the winners of the 2026 Texas State Spanish Spelling Bee, held June 4 at the Starlight Event Center in El Paso. After an intense 17 rounds and more than seven hours of competition, Adrianno Pineda of Keller, Texas was named state champion.
Pineda secured the title by correctly spelling the final two championship words:“obnubilación” (clouding of consciousness) and“panegírico” (panegyric), demonstrating exceptional linguistic skill, composure, and endurance.
A total of 47 students in grades 4–8 from across Texas competed, representing multiple Education Service Center regions and advancing through campus, district, and regional competitions to reach the state level.
“This competition represents far more than spelling words correctly,” said Dr. José A. Velázquez, Director of Academic Instruction and School Support at ESC19. “It celebrates academic excellence, bilingualism, cultural identity, and the dedication of students, educators, and families across Texas.”
“Every year we see more students, families, educators, and communities embracing the value of bilingualism and biliteracy,” added Silvia Zacarías, ESC19 Professional Development Consultant and event organizer. “These students represent the very best of academic achievement and perseverance. Todos son campeones.”
Top 10 Winners
The following students placed in the top 10 and will advance to the National Spanish Spelling Bee in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on July 10–11:
- Adrianno Pineda, Keller, TX
- Mateo Loza, Grade 5 – Prosper, TX (Prosper ISD)
- Ainoa Zuloaga, Grade 5 – Tyler, TX (Tomball ISD)
- Mateo Rawls, Grade 6 – San Antonio, TX (Northside ISD)
- Amalia Castillo, Grade 8 – Irving, TX (Irving ISD)
- Emiliano Ferrán Martínez Caloca, Grade 7 – El Paso, TX (El Paso ISD)
- Michelle Rodriguez, Grade 4 – Irving, TX (Irving ISD)
- Chris Chalhoub, Grade 5 – San Antonio, TX (North East ISD)
- Shaheli De Silva, Grade 8 – El Paso, TX (El Paso ISD)
- Elizabeth Castillo Perez, Grade 5 – Coppell, TX (Coppell ISD)
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