Chiefs’ Smith finishes runner-up in County Spelling Bee

Bellefontaine City Schools was well represented at the 2026 Logan County Spelling Bee at the Holland Theatre Tuesday night.

Bellefontaine Middle School seventh-grader Owen Smith finished runner-up.

Owen is the son of Nate and Kate Smith.

Indian Lake Middle School seventh-grader Calin Headings was crowned champion.

Headings spelled “substantially” to advance to the championship word. He then spelled “marquee” to win the bee.

The annual competition went nine rounds.

The spelling bee featured twelve students from Bellefontaine, Benjamin Logan, Indian Lake, Riverside, and Calvary Christian.

The four Bellefontaine City Schools' students were eighth-grader Eva Wilson, seventh-grader Owen Smith, and fifth-graders Lester Blosser and Lydia Wilson.

The Midwest Regional Educational Service Center hosted the spelling bee.

Erica Baer-Woods was the emcee.

Riverside Schools Gifted Specialist Andrea Watts, Botkins Schools Gifted Specialist Bobby Young, and Mandy Loehr served as judges.

You can watch the spelling bee at https://www.peakofohiotv.com/.../logan-county.../147

Photos: Owen Smith is awarded the runner-up trophy by Midwest Regional Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith.

Owen Smith (left), Dr. Rick Smith, and Calin Headings

Dr. Smith greets the twelve participants.

The 2026 Logan County Spelling Bee