The room erupted with excitement as brilliance, confidence, and determination took center stage at the Black Educators Association’s 2026 Provincial Spelling BEE. On May 9, 2026, #53 Christabel Njoku, outspelled 125 students gathered at Mount Saint Vincent University to compete in the 2026 EMERALD 20th Annual Regional Educators Program (REP) Provincial Spelling Bee.

Among the province’s brightest young scholars, the impressive 13-Year-Old Provincial Spelling Bee champion, Christabel Njoku (Speller#53), a student at John Martin Junior High School (Halifax West Region), demonstrated exceptional confidence, focus, and academic excellence throughout the competition.

Christabel stood out among talented students from across the province, earning the prestigious championship title after successfully spelling the final word “M.E.S.O.P.O.T.A.M.I.A.”

I was so nervous, There was allot of great spellers on that stage. Knowing the competition was going to be tough, and this being my first time, I keep reminding myself to do my best and enjoy the experience. 

Taking 2nd placewas #101 Ohioze Ikhidero, Halifax Regional Centre for Education, and 3rd place was  #36 Olateju Oladipo – Whitney Pier Cultural Academic Enrichment Program (CAEP) Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education (CBVRCE) 

PRIZES: First, second, and third-place winners took home BEA Education Awards of $ 1,000, $800, and $500, respectively, along with trophies, a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, gift cards, Teens Now Talk Interview and prizes from local businesses.

BEE COINCIDENCE – Things That Make You Go Hmmm!

• The first person we interviewed before the event, #53, was the last person standing with the championship title. 
• Christabel Njoku was the only female in the final round.
• Christabel Njoku’s number #53 added together is her grade in school.
• Hmm, what will happen next year….hummmm!

CHECK OUT MORE EVENT PHOTOS – HIT –   Event Photos.

2026 marked the end of the 20th Year of the Regional Educators Program (REP) Provincial Spelling BEE and is recognized as the EMERALD Spelling BEE.

The event celebrated 2,000+ competitors over the past twenty years of youth achievement, literacy, education, and the power of perseverance. Bringing together students, families, educators, and community supporters for an inspiring day of competition and learning. 

Shoutout to our 2026’s Top 9 Spellers & Regions:

• #01 Ayokunmi Oladipo – Cape Breton           
•  #03 Joel Odumakinde – Northern
• #34 Adulmojeed Ademosu – Strait               
• #36 Olateju Oladipo – Cape Breton
• #53 Christabel Njoku – Champion- Halifax West    
• #63 Munachiso Nwoye– Halifax West
• #64 Ugochukwu Derek Achunike – Halifax Central
• #70 Ujuamara Achunike – Halifax Central 
• #101 Ohioze Ikhidero – Halifax Central 

THE NEXT CHAMPIONSHIP SPOT IS WAITING FOR YOU IN 2027

    BEE Excited!          BEE Ready!             BEE Supportive!

TNT BEE Advice for anyone wanting to compete next year would BEE:

• BEE ready to have fun and meet new people.
• BEElieve in yourself and learn a word a day.
• BEEfore you get bored, find ways to make studying fun.
• You BEElong on stage, so BEE committed and dedicated, it will paid off.

2027‘s Competition Day is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 8, 2027, at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) @ 1:00 pm. For more information on the REP Provincial Spelling BEE, and all other Black Educators Association BEA Programs/Projects, please visit: www.bea-ns.ca 

WINNING CIRCLE – Congratulations to ALL the BEE Spellers.

• 2026 Spelling BEE  Winner #53 Christabel Njoku –  Event Photos

• 2026 Spelling BEE  #53- Interview – Video Coming Soon

• 2025 Spelling BEE Video #38 Ayokunmi Oladipoo  19th Spelling BEE Click

• 2025  Spill the Tea  #38 Ayokunmi Oladipoo  Interview

• 2024 Spelling BEE Video 18th Spelling BEE Click Here

• 2024 Spill the Tea 1ST #27 Daniel Ajuwon

• 2024 Spill the Tea 2ND #06 Tirenioluwa Akinmejiwa

• 2024 Spill the Tea 3RD- #70 Daramini Esan

• 2023 Spelling BEE Photos – 

• 2022 Spelling BEE Video – Click Here

•  2021 Spelling BEE Video – Click HERE

• 2019 Spelling BEE  Photos –  Click Here

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You know the drill, let’s see if you were reading! Send us three spelling errors for a chance to have your name entered to win a $50.00 TEENS NOW TALK APPAREL gift card. Submit your words.