The Ladue School District is excited to recognize Zachary Onaghise, a 4th-grader at Spoede Elementary, for his recent success in competitive spelling. After winning Spoede’s Spelling Bee, Zachary competed in the qualifying round against nearly 300 spelling champions from elementary and middle schools across the St. Louis region qualifying round. He secured a place in the St. Louis Regional Spelling Bee with a perfect score.

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at St. Louis University, Zachary will compete against 30 to 50 other top area spellers. The winner of this event will move on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., this May.

"Our Spoede staff and student body are incredibly proud of Zachary,” expressed Isaac Bjerk, Spoede Elementary Principal. “His success isn't a shock or surprise to any of us as he brings an extraordinary drive and a dedication to excellence in all that he does each and every day. Way to go, Zachary, and best of luck in the regional spelling bee! We're all rooting for you!"

The Ladue Schools community is eager to see Zachary compete at the regional spelling bee this weekend. His hard work and dedication have already taken him far, and we look forward to cheering him on in this next stage.