FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2026
Photo caption: Chatham County Schools Spelling Bee Winner, Abigail Storts, Dr. Anthony Jackson
Photo credit: Chatham County schools
Abigail Storts Wins 2025–2026 Chatham County Schools Spelling Bee
PITTSBORO, N.C. – Chatham County Schools (CCS) proudly announces that Abigail Storts of Margaret B. Pollard Middle School has won the 2025–2026 CCS Spelling Bee.
The district-level competition brought together 28 top spellers from schools across the Chatham County School district. Over the course of five rounds, students demonstrated focus, preparation, and impressive command of language in a contest that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
After five competitive rounds, Abigail Storts emerged as the champion, earning the title of 2025–2026 Chatham County Schools Spelling Bee winner.
This year’s event also featured a tie for second place. Benjamin Ferrin of George Moses Horton Middle School and Keaton Jett of Chatham Grove Elementary both delivered strong performances, sharing the runner-up honor after advancing through multiple rounds of competition.
“We are incredibly proud of all 28 students who participated,” said Leigh Ann Cardman, CCS Spelling Bee Coordinator. “Each student showed determination and courage by stepping up to the microphone and giving their best effort. Congratulations to Abigail on an outstanding achievement, and to Benjamin and Keaton for their exceptional performances.”
Superintendent Dr. Anthony D. Jackson also praised the students for their hard work and dedication. “Events like the Spelling Bee highlight the academic excellence across our district,” Dr. Jackson said. “These students represent the very best of Chatham County Schools, and we celebrate their commitment to learning.”
The CCS Spelling Bee was made possible by the support of an outstanding panel of officials:
Dr. Michelle Burton – Pronouncer
Sherri Homan – Head Judge
Mandy Evans – Judge
Jackie Milliken – Judge
Brooklyn Douglas – Record Keeper
Chatham County Schools extends sincere appreciation to these individuals for their time, professionalism, and commitment to supporting student achievement.
The annual CCS Spelling Bee celebrates literacy, academic growth, and student achievement. Chatham County Schools commends all participants for their hard work and dedication, and extends best wishes to Abigail Storts as she prepares for the next level of competition at the 2026 Carolina Panthers Regional Spelling Bee, featuring top district winners from North and South Carolina, scheduled for March 1, 2026, in Charlotte, NC. This regional competition, presented by Bank of America, serves as the qualifying event for the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
For more information about the Carolina Panthers Regional Spelling Bee, please visit https://www.panthers.com/community/spelling-bee. For more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, visit https://spellingbee.com/.
For more information about Chatham County Schools and its academic programs, please visit www.chatham.k12.nc.us or contact Public Information Officer, Jessica Pasión.
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Contact:
Jessica Pasión
468 Renaissance Drive
Pittsboro, NC 27539
Phone: 919.542.3626
About Chatham County Schools
Chatham County Schools serves more than 8,900 students across 20 schools in central North Carolina. With a commitment to excellence, equity, and engagement, the district works in partnership with families and the community to prepare ALL students for success in college, careers, and life.