Floris Elementary School fourth grader Laasya Mohan and Rocky Run Middle School eighth grader Aadhya Vijayakumar will represent Fairfax County Public Schools at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, according to a May 11 announcement. Both students earned their spots after competing in the 2026 Fairfax County Spelling Bee.
The advancement of these students highlights academic achievement and the value placed on spelling skills within the school district. The Fairfax County Council PTA, which sponsors the county bee and serves as Scripps’ official Regional Partner for Fairfax County and Alexandria City, will support both participants in their preparations for the national competition.
Mohan was named champion of this year’s county bee after correctly spelling “béarnaise.” She said her classmates rely on her as a resource. “My classmates use me as a dictionary,” Mohan said. “They ask me to spell words, and they ask me what the meanings of words are.” Vijayakumar, who finished as first runner-up in the regional event, also expressed pride in her accomplishment. “It’s a validation for all the hard work that I’ve put into it,” she said.
Both students are preparing intensively for nationals by following structured study routines. Vijayakumar described her approach: “The first day, I do spelling; I look at all of these word lists, and I try to learn and understand the words. Then, on the second day, I do vocabulary; I learn the definitions. Then, on the third day, I focus on the roots and the language of origin. The fourth day is a recap of everything I learned from the past three days.” Mohan organizes words into categories such as sports or food before focusing on unfamiliar terms with help from her mother and coaching from former competitor Akshita Balaji.
A third student from Sangster Elementary School was named an alternate following placement as second runner-up in regionals but will not compete unless needed.
Both Mohan and Vijayakumar emphasized that participating in spelling competitions has provided lasting benefits beyond trophies or medals. “This is something that could really help me in the future,” Vijayakumar said about how spelling has improved her memory along with dedication and persistence.
Looking ahead to nationals beginning May 26 at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington D.C., Mohan reflected: “It’s a dream come true for me,” she said. “I’m really happy and proud to represent Fairfax County at the nationals.”