P-H-M Elementary Students Shine at 39th Annual Spell Bowl

P-H-M elementary students put their spelling skills on display this week during the 39th Annual P-H-M Elementary Spell Bowl, held at the Penn High School Entrepreneurial Operating Systems Center for Performing Arts.

The annual event brought together student teams from across the district for an evening of academic competition and school pride. Families, staff, and supporters filled the venue to cheer on students as they worked through challenging rounds of words at the third, fourth, and fifth grade levels.

Penn High School Spell Bowl Coach Angela Yarrell served as emcee for the evening, and Superintendent Dr. Heather Short welcomed families to the event.

Northpoint had a standout night, earning first-place finishes in all three grade levels.

In the third grade competition, Northpoint took first place with 28 points, followed by Horizon with 26 points and Bittersweet with 24.

The fourth grade competition delivered one of the most memorable moments of the night. Northpoint and Prairie Vista both finished with 29 points, sending the contest into a three-round tiebreaker that lasted 15 words total. Northpoint ultimately claimed first place after the extended battle. Bittersweet and Mary Frank tied for third place with 27 points each.

The fifth grade competition ended with an especially impressive finish, as Northpoint earned a perfect score of 30 points to take first place. Bittersweet followed in second with 26 points, and Madison placed third with 23.

The annual Spell Bowl continues to highlight the hard work of P-H-M students and staff while giving elementary students a chance to showcase their academic talents on a district stage.

2026 Spell Bowl Results

3rd Grade
1st: Northpoint – 28 points
2nd: Horizon – 26 points
3rd: Bittersweet – 24 points

4th Grade
1st: Northpoint – 29 points (won in tiebreaker)
2nd: Prairie Vista – 29 points
3rd: Bittersweet and Mary Frank – 27 points

5th Grade
1st: Northpoint – 30 points
2nd: Bittersweet – 26 points
3rd: Madison – 23 points