Spelling Bee Showcases Student Talent at Valley Oaks
Dec 23, 2025 03:30PM ● By MPG Staff
Pictured from left are Valley Oaks Elementary Principal David Nelson, spelling bee champion Alexa Meza (sixth grade), third-place finisher Sophia Cueva (third grade) and runner-up Clarissa Contreras (third grade). Photos courtesy of Valley Oaks Elementary
GALT, CA (MPG) - Valley Oaks Elementary held its annual spelling bee on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
A new winner was awarded the Spelling Bee Champion: sixth grader Alexa Meza. The championship word was “deferential,” which she spelled correctly in the 14th round after going three rounds head-to-head with runner-up Clarissa Contreras.
Eleven other students from third to sixth grade participated in the 14-round spelling bee before Alexa Meza was crowned the champion.
Valley Oaks Elementary Spelling Bee 2025-26 Champion sixth grader Alexa Meza poses for a photo with her trophy.
Third-grader Clarissa Contreras earned second place, and third grader Sophia Cueva earned third place.
The participants included Clarissa Contreras (third grade), Sophia Cueva (third grade), Aleena Ali (third grade), Zuleyka Cervantes (fourth grade), Sofia Vera (fourth grade), Beatriz Angeles Juarez (fifth grade), Valeria Tamez (fifth grade), Sebastian Castellanos (sixth grade), Elijah Gaona (sixth grade), Riley Hutchason (sixth grade) and Alexa Meza (sixth grade).
Guest judges included Valley Oaks teacher Tiffany Lourence and Galt Joint Union Elementary School District Superintendent Lois Yount.
