Malachi Farder wins Bemidji Spelltacular; four advance to regionals

BEMIDJI — Fifth-grader Malachi Farder wins the 40th annual Spelltacular at Bemidji Middle School by correctly spelling asphalt in the final round, continuing a long-standing community tradition that spotlights literacy across Beltrami County. The contest, held Thursday, featured 13 spellers from fifth through eighth grade who took turns at the microphone while pronouncer Kate Pearson provided definitions, homonyms and used each word in a sentence.

Students moved through multiple rounds of increasingly difficult words as family members, classmates and school staff watched. Farder’s victory secures one of the top four spots that carry invitations to the regional spelling bee on Feb. 4 in Thief River Falls. For many participants, the local bee is more than a contest; it is a chance to build public speaking skills, deepen vocabulary and gain confidence in a supportive community setting.

The Spelltacular’s 40-year run reflects sustained community investment in youth enrichment in Bemidji and surrounding areas of Beltrami County. Such programs play a role in educational equity by offering structured academic opportunities outside regular classroom hours. For families across the county, especially those in rural townships, participation can raise logistical challenges including transportation to regional events and access to preparation resources. Ensuring equitable access to these opportunities is a practical concern for schools and the wider community.

Beyond classroom benefits, educational engagement is tied to broader well-being. Activities that promote reading, critical thinking and school belonging contribute to mental health, reduce drop-out risk and support long-term civic and economic outcomes. In a county where resources are stretched across urban and rural divides, sustaining programs like Spelltacular is part of a broader conversation about how public investment in schools and extracurriculars contributes to health equity.

Organizers say the top four finishers will proceed to represent Bemidji at the regional bee in Thief River Falls on Feb. 4. Families and community members who have supported Spelltacular for decades will likely follow and rally behind the students as they prepare.

What this means for readers is straightforward: local traditions like Spelltacular matter beyond trophies. They are community assets that strengthen literacy, build young people’s confidence and highlight where schools and partners need to focus to make opportunities accessible for every child in Beltrami County. Expect the winners to carry Bemidji’s colors to the regional stage, and watch for conversations about expanding supports so every student can compete on an even field.