Kinard's Nikhil Ganta Wins Colorado State Spelling Bee

Poudre School District student Nikhil Ganta might have come up just shy of the Colorado State Spelling Bee title last year, but in 2026 he would not be denied as he won the state championship over the weekend. 

Nikhil, currently a 6th-grade student at Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School, won the Colorado State Spelling Bee title on Saturday after 55 rounds of spelling, capping off his achievement by correctly spelling the word “amaxophobia.” Nikhil won the Poudre School District spelling bee in January, claiming his fourth straight district title. This is his first time claiming the state championship. 

“An extraordinary achievement deserves an extraordinary recognition, congratulations Nikhil!” said Lindsey Matkin, principal of Kinard. “His dedication and hard work carried him all the way to the top, the state spelling bee champion, we couldn’t be prouder of Nikhil!”

Nikhil isn’t done displaying his spelling skills. He will travel to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May, facing off against the country’s greatest spellers. 

“Nikhil has shown time and time again just how spectacular a speller he is, and we could not be more proud of this achievement,” said superintendent Brian Kingsley. “Congratulations to Nikhil; everyone here at PSD will be rooting for you in May!”