Congratulations to fifth-grader Lyanna Cross, who had all the right ingredients to win the 2026 Marion Spelling Bee!

Lyanna’s winning word was “recipe” and correctly spelling the word took her to the top of the field of 11 Marion spellers on Tuesday, February 3, at the Marion Elementary School auditorium.

Following the clinching word for Lyanna, fifth-grader Avery Plyter and sixth-grader Brooke Fox had a spell-off to determine the runner-up and Brooke clinched second place. Afterward, family and friends joined the spellers for cookies and well-earned celebration for all who competed.

Lyanna will compete in the regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 21, at Palmyra-Macedon High School.