The 11th edition of the Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2026, themed “The Learning Edge,” concluded at the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) halls in Kohima on October 21, with Thejatsü-Ü Rutsa of Living Tree School, Kohima, emerging as the champion.
Organised by The Fountain Club, Kohima, in collaboration with SCERT and its partners, The Morung Express, Excellogics and Mirrorless Films, the championship provided a platform for students to demonstrate their spelling skills, vocabulary and command of the English language.
The competition was open to students from Classes VI to IX, with each educational institution permitted to nominate two spellers.
Thejatsü-Ü Rutsa, Speller No. 56, secured the first position and received a cash prize of Rs. 80,000. Thejaneizo Linyü of Khedi Baptist Higher Secondary School, Kohima, Speller No. 23, finished second and received Rs. 60,000, while Carolene Lotha of Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, Speller No. 19, secured third place with a prize of Rs. 40,000.
Lineno Kaimo of St. Paul School, Phesama, Kohima, Speller No. 14, finished fourth and received Rs. 20,000.
The four quarter-finalists—Shuzini Catherine Chario of Model Higher Secondary School, Kohima; Kellika of Grace Academy, Dimapur; Thanggunhao Thomsong of Grace Academy, Dimapur; and Mharoni Yanthan of Stella Higher Secondary School, Kohima—were awarded Rs. 10,000 each.
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The championship also recognised emerging talent through special awards. Seneino Laura, a Class VI student of St. Paul School, Phesama, aged 12, was recognised as the Young Speller, while Thejasevono Meyase, an 11-year-old Class VI student of PM SHRI GMS, New Ministers’ Hill, was named Promising Speller. Both received Rs. 10,000 each.
Speaking at the concluding programme, Daniel Thong, Vice-Principal of SCERT, acknowledged the organisers and participants, observing that the Spelling Bee Championship had continued to improve with each edition. He also commended the organisers for managing the competition effectively.
The programme was compered by Alila Chang, while words of gratitude were delivered by Metsisieto Zhasa, Chairman of The Fountain Club, Kohima. The prizes were distributed by Moalong Imti, Joint Director of SCERT.
The panel of pronouncers comprised Dr Sekholü Tetseo, Dr Aneile Puro, Vipenu Noswe, Asano Zashumo and Emma Thonger. The judges were Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, Kekhrieneinuo Sekhose, Priskali H Sumi and B Sonian Jemphang.
Keduwe-u Tsuhah served as Chief Coordinator, while Vipopal Kintso, Rokovikho Chale and Neizokhotuo Belho constituted the Jury Board.
