Scripps National Spelling Bee Triumph in Rancho Cucamonga

In a remarkable display of linguistic prowess, 14-year-old Shrey Parikh from Rancho Cucamonga clinched the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee title on Thursday night.

Parikh, a student at Day Creek Intermediate School, set a new benchmark by correctly spelling 32 words during the intense 90-second spell-off, surpassing his competitor, Ishaan Gupta, who managed 25 words.

Reflecting on his journey, Parikh shared, "Learning words is really thrilling for me."

His dedication to spelling has been evident over the years, with a third-place finish in 2024 and a commendable 89th place in 2022 at just 10 years old.

Parikh's victory has ignited pride throughout the Rancho Cucamonga community.

The Etiwanda School District expressed their congratulations, stating, "What an incredible accomplishment and a moment our entire community is celebrating with pride."

His former teacher, Liza Chu, remarked, "Shrey was born a genius... He just blew us away."

Parikh's triumph not only highlights his personal dedication but also underscores the rich legacy of spelling excellence in Rancho Cucamonga.

His winning word, "bromocriptine," a polypeptide alkaloid derivative of ergot, exemplifies the depth of his vocabulary.

As the community celebrates this achievement, upcoming events like the IncredABLES Family Fun Day on June 13 and the Cucamonga Classic Car Show on June 27 offer further opportunities for residents to come together and share in the city's vibrant spirit.

A.K. Smiley Public Library in Redlands, illustrative of libraries — Photo by Soly Moses on Pexels