Collins Akerson, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Collins Akerson, a bright 5th-grade student from Buffalo Hills Elementary, has clinched first place in the fiercely competitive Buffalo County Spelling Bee held in Amherst on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Competing against twelve champion spellers from schools in Kearney, Shelton, and Amherst, Collins demonstrated exceptional spelling skills, tackling challenging words like “ratify,” “answer,” and “gaunt” with ease.
The victory came as Collins accurately spelled the word “appointment” securing her position as the county champion. Speaking on her win, Collins shared, “I’m excited for the opportunity to represent my school and Buffalo County in the regional bee!” Her triumph not only showcases her spelling prowess but also her dedication and hard work.
Collins’s journey continues as he advances to the Regional Spelling Bee scheduled for March 14, 2026 at the Strauss Performing Arts Center at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Here, she will face written rounds and, if among the final ten students, advance to the oral rounds. The regional champion will earn a spot in the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Jeff Schwartz, Kearney Public Schools’ Director of Student Services and Safety, highlighted the significance of participation in Scripps Spelling Bee competitions.
“Schools must be registered with Scripps National Spelling Bee to participate. To qualify, KPS fifth-graders compete in both written and oral competitions at the building level before advancing to the county competition. This marks the fourth consecutive year KPS has participated in the county spelling bee and we appreciate Amherst Public Schools and Mrs. Seger for hosting this annual event.”
“We wish Collins the best of luck in the Regional Spelling Bee,” said Schwartz, expressing support and anticipation for Collin’s continued success.
Of note, the University of Nebraska-Kearney will host an additional spelling bee for Kearney students on February 24th, where the top fifth graders from the district will receive another opportunity to showcase their spelling skills.
