North Texas 7th grader qualifies for 2026 National Spanish Spelling Bee

While many kids spend their summers relaxing by the pool or playing video games, one White Settlement ISD student has been mastering a second language—spelling her way to a national title.

Melody Hinkle, an incoming seventh grader at Brewer Middle School, won the National Spanish Spelling Bee Championship in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on July 12. She went head-to-head with 34 contestants from across the U.S. in a rigorous 24-round competition.

At 12 years old, Melody earned a $4,000 cash prize, a trophy, and an automatic qualification for the 2026 National Spanish Spelling Bee, where she’ll have the chance to defend her title…

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