Excitement Buzzes as Johannes Roxburgh Defends Regional Spelling Bee at Duke

Spelling bee contestant awaits her word.
A young contestant in the 2025 Duke Regional Spelling Bee awaits her word.

“Arenaceous” is the word that allowed Johannes Roxburgh, an 8th grader from Voyager Academy, to emerge victorious and successfully defend his title from last year's Duke Regional Spelling Bee.

His triumph earned him a trip, sponsored by Duke Community Affairs, to the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee in May in Washington, DC.

The spellers on Duke’s East Campus were enthusiastically greeted by a quartet of beloved mascots: Wool E. Bull from the Durham Bulls, the Duke Blue Devil, Read-a-Bull from Durham County Libraries, and Rameses from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Johannes Roxburgh of Voyager Academy won for the second year in a row.

Inside, the Poetry Fox spun creative vignettes as the event drew a supportive crowd of parents, caretakers, and onlookers. In all, 23 young spellers from elementary and middle schools across Durham and Orange counties gathered on Saturday to compete in the Bee.

100th Scripps National Spelling Bee

As the competition progressed, each speller showcased their composure under pressure. This weekend’s event celebrated academic excellence and community spirit from across our region.

“Arenaceous” is defined as “consisting of sand or particles of a substance similar to sand.” Pictured: Spelling Bee winner Johannes Roxburgh.