FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2026
CONTACT: Karina Diaz, Hudson County Executive’s Office
PHONE: 201-795-6200
HUDSON COUNTY EXECUTIVE CRAIG GUY CONGRATULATES ISHAAN GUPTA,
WINNER OF THE 67TH ANNUAL HUDSON COUNTY SPELLING BEE
The returning champion successfully defended his title as a record-breaking 79 students competed in this year’s countywide competition
JERSEY CITY, NJ — Hudson County Executive Craig Guy congratulated first place winner of the 67th Annual Hudson County Spelling Bee, Ishaan Gupta. Gupta, who was also victorious in the 2025 bee, is a 12-year-old 7th grader from Frank R. Conwell Middle School #4 in Jersey City. This year’s contest drew a record-breaking 79 student participants from across the county in grades 3 through 8. The competition was held Saturday, February 7, at Hudson County High Tech High School in Secaucus, with the winner earning the opportunity to represent Hudson County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Maryland later this year.
“It is a pleasure to congratulate Ishaan – again – for winning our county spelling bee,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “Ishaan possesses an impressive determination and love of learning, and I know he also benefits from the constant support and encouragement of his parents and teachers. I also want to congratulate and thank every single participant in our spelling bee this year. Hudson County is proud of every one of you for stepping up and competing.”
The winning word was Kwashiorkor – number 329 in the 2026 Regional Competition List. This word is a noun and from a native word in Ghana. Kwashiorkor means severe malnutrition in infants and children characterized by failure to grow and develop, anemia, and degeneration of the liver, and caused by a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet.
Second place was awarded to Lluan Magpali, a 13-year-old 8th grader from Washington Community School in Bayonne.
Third place resulted in a two-way tie between:
• Isaiah Kassi, age 13, 7th grade, Horace Mann School, Bayonne
• Joaquin Llanos, age 12, 7th grade, Henry Harris Elementary School, Bayonne
Fourth place was earned by Jason Elegbe, a 12-year-old 6th grader from Rafael Cordero Elementary School #37 in Jersey City.
Fifth place concluded with a three-way tie between:
• Thea Ordonez, age 10, 5th grade, St. Francis Academy, Union City
• Noah Johnson, age 13, 8th grade, Lincoln Community School, Bayonne
• Lokamithran Vasanth, age 9, 3rd grade, Learning Community Charter School, Jersey City
“The continued growth of the Hudson County Spelling Bee reflects the enthusiasm of our students and the support they receive from families and educators,” said Gina Hulings, Director of the Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs/Tourism Development. “We are proud to continue to host this event and celebrate the achievements of all who competed.”
Ishaan Gupta is enrolled in the Accelerated Enrichment Program (AEP) at Frank R. Conwell Middle School #4. A Jersey City native, Gupta is an avid reader with a home library of more than 650 books and enjoys biking in Liberty State Park with his family, as well as playing soccer, tennis, and swimming.
Please visit SpellingBee.com to see the path to both the Hudson County and National Spelling Bees – which begin at the school level.
Founded in 1959, the Hudson County Spelling Bee has grown into a long-standing tradition celebrating academic excellence. Now in its 67th year, Hudson County remains proud to continue this legacy and to provide opportunities that challenge and inspire students throughout the county. This marked the fourth consecutive year the event was hosted at Hudson County High Tech High School.
For photos of the Spelling Bee, including Champion Ishaan Gupta, click here.