EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – An El Paso student is among those advancing to the National Spanish Spelling Bee in Albuquerque next month, the Education Service Center Region 19 (ESC19) said in a news release.
ESC19 announced that El Pasoan Emiliano Ferran Martinez Caloca is among the top 10 contestants advancing to represent Texas at the national competition, scheduled for July 11-12 in Albuquerque.
The top 10 finishers are as follows, according to ESC19:
- Danaé Tinajero, San Antonio
- Joaquín Martinez, McAllen
- Rogelio Lopez, South Houston
- Nicole Alcala, Hidalgo
- Emiliano Ferran Martinez Caloca, El Paso
- Melody Hinkle, Fort Worth
- Matelo Loza, Prosper
- Mateo Rawls, San Antonio
- Ximena Rocha, Pharr
- Leah Sanchez, Houston
This comes after the first-ever Texas State Spanish Spelling Bee was held on Thursday, June 19, at the Starlight Event Center in El Paso, the ESC19 said.
ESC19 said the full-day competition brought together “32 top student spellers” in grades 4–8 from across the state, marking a historic moment as Texas hosted the statewide “Bee” for the first time.
Danaé Tinajero from San Antonio claimed first place, correctly spelling the championship word “Paralelepípedos” to earn the top honor. Joaquín Martinez from McAllen placed second, and Rogelio Lopez from South Houston secured third place, ESC19 said.
ESC19 said every student received a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, a medal, and a certificate of participation.
Additionally, Tinajero received a trophy, and Martines and Lopez received plaques, ESC19 said.
“This was more than just a spelling competition — it was a celebration of language, culture, and community,” Silvia Zacarias, ESC19 professional development consultant and event organizer, said. “We’re proud of every student who participated, and we look forward to cheering on Team Texas at the national level next month.”
To learn more about the Spanish Spelling Bee program, visit here.
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