2026 Switzerland of Ohio District Spelling Bee winners

The Switzerland of Ohio Schools held its District Spelling Bee recently with students representing four of the elementary schools - River, Powhatan, Skyvue and Woodsfield.

Dietrich Aanerud, an eighth grader from Powhatan Elementary, was the overall winner of the District Spelling Bee. Hagen Headley, an eighth grader from River Elementary, received second place, followed by Josephine Woods, a sixth grader from Skyvue Elementary, in third.

The top eight students plus one alternate from Switzerland of Ohio Schools District Spelling Bee now go on to compete on March 20 at the regional bee in Marietta.

Also representing Switzerland of Ohio Schools at the Regional Bee will be Stefan Eikleberry (River), Noah Christman (Skyvue), Liam Gehring (River), Lucas Gehring (River), Easton Colvin (Woodsfield) and alternate Jensen Henes (River).

Coaches from each school worked with the students to help them get ready for the district spelling bee and will continue to work with the top nine to prepare for the regional bee. The coaches for each building are Tami Neiswonger (Beallsville), Brandon Bunting (Powhatan), Amy Logston (River), Brooke Ferrel (Skyvue) and Janelle Bilyeu (Woodsfield).

Switzerland of Ohio Schools expressed thanks to Paige Fleming of Marietta for serving as the announcer of the bee, as well as to the following business and individuals who donated prize money for the Bee: Yoss Law Office, Ohio Valley Community Credit, State Farm Insurance - Tim Blue, Wesbanco, Woodsfield Savings, Kiwanis Club, Common Wealth Financial Services, Paulus Insurance, Belmont Savings and Citizens National Bank.