Ellsworth Jr./Sr.

High School eighth grade student Willa Finnegan correctly spelling the word “varnish” to win the 2026 Ellsworth County Spelling Bee Feb. 25 in the school’s Performing Arts Center.

First place is a familiar spot for Finnegan, since she won the same bee in 2025.

“I just want to thank everybody, because it’s been such an amazing experience,” Finnegan, the daughter of Dan and Dawn Finnegan, Ellsworth, said. “This is my last year of being able to do it; being eligible. It’s just so wonderful and I’ve just had so much fun over the years.”

Finnegan said she was shocked she won the bee twice in a row.

“I did not think I’d get lucky like that, but I did,” she said.

Finnegan will next represent Ellsworth County at the Kansas State Spelling Bee March 21 at Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina.

“I feel probably more confident this time around because I know the workings of it and stuff,” she said. “So yeah, I feel pretty confident about going to state.”

Thirty-four students from Ellsworth County schools competed in this year’s spelling bee.

Dr. Kristy Rodriguez was the coordinator for the event. Mike Keith was the moderator, while Gina McGowan and Bill Parsons served as judges.