11th Annual Super Summer Spelling Bee Unites
30 Palm Beach County Summer Camps and 600 Students
for Literacy, Achievement and Fun
The Palm Beach County Youth Services Department proudly hosted the 11th Annual Super Summer Spelling Bee (SSSB) at Park Vista High School on July 10, 2025, bringing together 600 students for a dynamic day of academic competition and teambuilding.
Open to all camps participating in the Summer Camp Scholarship Program, the SSSB helps campers stay engaged academically over the summer by building vocabulary, public speaking skills and team spirit. The event featured spellers from each camp in four grade categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Finalists competed for the title of Best Speller, while fellow campers enjoyed structured recreational activities and cheered on their teams.
Adding to the excitement, an energetic performance by the Faith Place Band kicked off the final rounds, energizing the crowd and setting a lively tone for the competition.
Spellers competed in the category aligned with their upcoming fall grade level, ensuring age-appropriate competition and meaningful academic challenge.
The winners of each grade were awarded exciting prizes to celebrate their achievements:
1st Place winners received premium Beats by Dre Headphones.
2nd Place winners received Nike Backpacks.
3rd Place winners received Carhartt Lunch Bags.
Additionally, each winner received a Stanley Cup, school supplies, a book and a trophy to recognize their success.
The winners are listed below.
Grades K–2:
- 1st Place: Nathan Solomon (Westward Elementary)
- 2nd Place: Taeleah Young (Rosenwald Elementary)
- 3rd Place: Emmanuela Phaiton (Bethel Evangelical Church)
Grades 3–5
- 1st Place: Logan Byer (Westward Elementary)
- 2nd Place: Sasha Harmon (Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders)
- 3rd Place: Damani Daniels (For the Children)
Grades 6–8
- 1st Place: Maya Harmon (Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders)
- 2nd Place: Abigailgloryann Manderson (West Palm Beach Jr. Academy)
- 3rd Place: Daniel Raulerson (Suncoast Christian Academy)
Grades 9–12
- 1st Place: Anne Casimir (For the Children)
- 2nd Place: Calmeron Mitchell (Destiny Fulfilled)
- 3rd Place: Cayden Gillespie (Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders)
The event featured dedicated spelling bee judges, volunteers and support from multiple Palm Beach County departments, including Parks & Recreation, the Library System, Strategic Planning and the County Attorney's Office. In addition, the Youth Services Department extends a special thank you to the School District of Palm Beach County, as well as the community organizations and agencies that contributed to the success of this event.
“The Super Summer Spelling Bee is more than just a competition," said JaVona Wilson of the Youth Services Department. “It's an opportunity for youth to grow, connect, and shine. We're grateful to our partners who made this inspiring day possible."
For a glimpse of the Super Summer Spelling Bee in action, check out this video from the School District of Palm Beach County, “11th Annual Super Summer Spelling Bee Takes the Stage," available on palmbeachschools.org or at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SctWV5F5-Ds
Watch the full video here: YSD Spelling Bee Finals Competition 2025
Photos attached courtesy of Digital Vibez.
Palm Beach County Youth Services Department's mission is to grow brighter futures by providing quality service, education, and access to resources and opportunities. All services provided by the Youth Services Department are FREE and further the mission by empowering youth and families to realize their full potential and be the driving force of a thriving community. The Youth Services Department is certified in The Sanctuary® Model of Trauma-Informed Care, which promotes an environment emphasizing the seven commitments of nonviolence, emotional intelligence, social learning, open communication, social responsibility, democracy and growth and change. For more information about the free supports provided by the Youth Services Department, you may visit the website at: https://discover.pbcgov.org/youthservices/Pages/default.aspx.
