Is lightning about to strike twice for the Chen family? Little Rock School District elementary student Alex Chen, 3rd grade, is one step closer to finding out after advancing from the LRSD Elementary Spelling Bee to the Pulaski County Spelling Bee, set for February 21.
Alex outspelled a talented field of 26 top spellers who earned their spots through school-level competitions across the District. The moment that sealed his victory came with the final word, "ballistics," confidently spelled and clinching first place at the District bee.
Here's how the top finishers stacked up:
1st place: Alex Chen (Roberts)
2nd place: Sydnie Adams (Fulbright)
3rd place (three-way tie): Nathan Bunting (Williams), Zayan Ghani (Roberts), and Bennett Liem (Forest Heights)
Adding extra buzz to the win: Alex is the younger brother of Sara Chen, the 2025 Arkansas Spelling Bee Champion, now a student at Pinnacle View Middle School. The sibling showdown is officially on, both Alex and Sara will compete at the County Bee, aiming for a coveted spot at the State Spelling Bee on March 7.
Will history repeat itself? Stay tuned - this spelling story is far from over!