Benjamin Lee, a fifth-grade student at Theodore Potter School 74, won the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Spelling Bee by correctly spelling “acacia” as the final word of the competition held on Tuesday. Lee, who is 11 years old, credited his preparation for his success.
“I’ve been studying a good amount, that’s for sure,” Lee said. “I’ve been studying three to five pages of words every day.”
The event took place in the auditorium at Arsenal Technical High School and featured 38 students from 19 IPS schools. Winners received trophies and prizes supported by the IPS Foundation and other sponsors.
Lee plans to participate again next year for Theodore Potter School 74, which he says gives him an advantage as a dual-language school.
“If I hear a Spanish word in English, I have an advantage because I already know it,” he said.
Lee and the top ten finalists will be recognized at the IPS Board of School Commissioners meeting on Thursday, March 26. Details about this recognition will be announced later.
These students will also move forward to compete in the Regional Spelling Bee at Indiana University Indianapolis, with sponsorship from the IU School of Education. The regional winner will represent central Indiana at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., scheduled for May.
This marks Lee’s second appearance in the district bee; last year he placed seventh as a fourth grader.
Not only can Lee spell “acacia,” but he also knows its meaning: Acacia refers to fast-growing trees and shrubs mainly found in warm regions such as Australia and Africa. These plants are known for their durable wood, soft leaves, small yellow or white flowers, and ability to thrive in poor soil and sunny conditions.
Indianapolis Public Schools is Indiana’s largest public school district with over 30,000 students served through a network of schools and programs across central Indianapolis. The district provides education tailored to individual needs in a relationship-driven environment while emphasizing racial equity as a strategic priority under Superintendent Aleesia Johnson. More information about IPS’s approach can be found on its official website.