Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

From left, School Sister of Notre Dame Patrician McCarron, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Baltimore; Taryn Langley, a sixth grader at Sacred Heart School in Glyndon; Suzie Silvia, a sixth grader at Immaculate Conception School in Towson; Nehemiah Zu, a fifth grader from Resurrection-St. Paul School in Ellicott City; and Christopher Gunty, editor of the Catholic Review, pose for a photo following the May 18, 2026, Archdiocesan Spelling Bee, sponsored by Catholic Review Media. The pictured students were the top three winners in the competition, with Taryn taking first place, Nehemiah taking second place and Suzie taking third. (Courtesy Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools)

Sacred Heart 6th grader wins Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools Spelling Bee


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Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools

COCKEYSVILLE – Taryn Langley, a sixth grader at Sacred Heart School in Glyndon spelled stimuli and serrated correctly to win the 2026 Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools Spelling Bee at St. Joseph School in Cockeysville May 18.

Taryn Langley, a sixth grader at Sacred Heart School in Glyndon and the winner of the 2026 Archdiocesan Spelling Bee, spells a word during the May 18, 2026, event at St. Joseph School in Cockeysville. (Courtesy Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools)

Nehemiah Zu, a fifth grader from Resurrection-St. Paul School in Ellicott City took second, and Suzie Silvia, a sixth grader at Immaculate Conception School in Towson came in third.

The bee, cosponsored by Catholic Review Media, hosted 30 students from fourth through sixth grades, each a champion in his or her respective school.

Students had various strategies for words, including asking for definitions, word origin or use in a sentence. Some spelled out the word as though writing on the palm of their hand.

Each participant received a certificate and a gift card from Chick-fil-A. The top three winners each also earned an Archdiocese of Baltimore Schools backpack, a USA rosary from the Catholic Review and a plaque.

Before the bee, the spellers and families were greeted by Gregory M. Farno, chancellor for Catholic education, and School Sister of Notre Dame Patricia McCarron, superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Christopher Gunty, associate publisher and editor of Catholic Review Media, was the emcee and pronouncer.

Judges were Cailin Joy Seirafipour, director of instruction and professional development for the Department of Schools; Julie Dellone, director of curriculum development and non-competitive grants for schools for the archdiocese; and Blake McCoy, advertising account executive at Catholic Review Media.

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