February 17, 2026

Gloria Willis Middle School Student Deangelo Rosales Aguilar Rises to WYCO Spelling Bee Champion

A smiling young person holds a plaque and wears a medal around their neck indoors.

Gloria Willis Middle School seventh-grade student Deangelo Rosales Aguilar has been named the 2026 Wyandotte County Spelling Bee Champion.

On Saturday, February 6, he took first place at the countywide competition held at Bonner Springs High School.

A diverse group of participants sits in a row on chairs across a stage with a dark curtain background.

“Deangelo uses a wheelchair, but he does not let that define him or limit his participation with his peers. He does not ask for special treatment and prefers to move, sit, and participate alongside other students whenever possible.”

With the county championship win, Deangelo now advances set to the Sunflower State Spelling Bee, which will take place on March 21 at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas.

A wide-angle view of a large auditorium filled with an audience seated in rows, facing a stage.

The winner of the 2026 Sunflower State Spelling Bee will move on to the national level at Constitutional Hall in Washington, DC.

Congratulations to Deangelo and all of the students who competed.

A young person in a red shirt stands at a microphone on a stage, holding a number four card.

A big shout out also goes to Wyatt Schmalz of Sumner Academy who came in 3rd.

KCKPS is proud of all of them!