COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. – A local 8th grader is making his area proud after putting on a masterclass in spelling at Fort White High School.
Tucker Ayers of Columbia County is the 2026 First Coast Spelling Bee champion.
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Following 25 rounds against 12 other spellers, Tucker won with the championship word “theca”.
According to those close to him, Tucker loves science and also plays three instruments.
He has played in the symphonic, jazz, and marching bands. He is on the A Honor Roll, has won Battle of the Brains, the Principal’s Award, and the Tiwahe Award.
Tucker now moves on to represent Northeast Florida at the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC in May.
Congratulations, Tucker!