El Paso is sending a brilliant young mind, Emiliano Ferran Martinez Caloca, a standout sixth-grader from Wiggs Middle School, to represent both his district and the Lone Star State at the upcoming National Spanish Spelling Bee. His ticket to the national contest was punched after turning heads at the first-ever Texas State Spanish Spelling Bee, where he secured his spot as one of the top 10 performers.
The event, which took place on June 19 at the Starlight Event Center in El Paso, saw 32 of the state's sharpest young spellers from the fourth through eighth grades come together for a linguistic showdown organized by ESC Region 19. Despite the intense competition, Emiliano's skills shone brightly, earning him accolades and the opportunity to shine on an even bigger stage next month, according to El Paso ISD.
In recognition of his achievement, Emiliano received not only a medal and certificate of participation but also a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. More significantly, he's been given the honor to join Team Texas at the National Spanish Spelling Bee, slated for July 11–12 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This nod to his proficiency in Spanish highlights the increasing emphasis on bilingual education and its role in academic success.
"El Paso ISD is incredibly proud of Emiliano and his outstanding accomplishment," Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre expressed, as per El Paso ISD. As a representative of his district and Texas at large, Emiliano stands as a beacon for the value placed on bilingualism in our educational institutions, a sentiment firmly supported by the district. The Texas State Spanish Spelling Bee was streamed live, culminating in an awards banquet that celebrated the hard work of all participants.
