ASUN Hosts 2026 Jackson County Spelling Bee
NEWPORT (Ark.) – Arkansas State University–Newport hosted the Jackson County Spelling Bee on Wednesday, February 4, welcoming students, educators and families to the for the academic competition for the first time on the ASUN campus.
Students from the Jackson County School District and Newport School District competed across multiple grade levels, showcasing strong spelling, vocabulary and composure throughout the event.
Winners of the Jackson County Spelling Bee (From Left: Remy Browning, Zane Church,
Ariana Ross)
Top winners of the Jackson County Spelling Bee were:
- First place: Zane Church, a fourth-grade student from the Jackson County School District
- Second place: Remy Browning, a fourth-grade student from the Jackson County School District
- Third place: Ariana Ross, a seventh-grade student from the Jackson County School District
ASU-Newport faculty, staff and students assisted with the event, helping ensure a smooth and successful competition. Irina Reynolds, ASU-Newport’s student life and outreach coordinator and Jackson County spelling bee coordinator, helped organize the event. Candace Gross served as pronouncer, and judging was provided by Joe Campbell, dean for liberal arts, along with English instructors Dr. Jeanna Mason and Emily Pasmore.
“We truly enjoyed hosting the Jackson County Spelling Bee,” Reynolds said. “ASU-Newport is proud to be part of this community and to support students across the region. We look forward to hosting the competition again in February 2027.”
Contestants by grade level included:
2nd Grade
- Jackson County School District: Marren Cherry, Mollie Hatfield
3rd Grade
- Jackson County School District: Rhett Cooper, Joe Max Tooley
- Newport School District: Kayleigh Harrs
4th Grade
- Jackson County School District: Remy Browning, Zane Church
- Newport School District: Ashton Ramsey
5th Grade
- Jackson County School District: Dorian Toddy, Asher Young
- Newport School District: Semaj Nevels
6th Grade
- Jackson County School District: Eli Thatcher, Larry Mills
- Newport School District: Madison Latourette, Ava Gates
7th Grade
- Jackson County School District: Ariana Ross, King Irvine
8th Grade
- Jackson County School District: Mason Davis
- Newport School District: Kaysyn Toddy
ASU-Newport congratulates all participants for their hard work and academic achievement and thanks the educators, volunteers and families who helped make the event a success.