PLEASANT HILL, Calif.— Aiden Meng, a seventh grader at Orinda Intermediate School, placed second at the 2026 California State Junior High Spelling Bee, held at the Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca.
Meng, who is also representing the Bay Area at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. this week, was one of 50 seventh- through ninth-grade students competing in the junior high championship hosted by the San Joaquin County Office of Education.
“Earning second place among California’s top young scholars reflects not only Aiden’s dedication and talent, but also the strong support of his teachers, school, and family,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “His success is an inspiring example of what is possible when curiosity, perseverance, and a love of learning come together. On behalf of the Contra Costa County Office of Education, we congratulate Aiden and wish him the very best in the national competition.”
The final round featured challenging words such as epiphysis, palimpsest, and croquembouche.
About Contra Costa County Office of Education
One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,261 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of the county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.
CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county’s 286 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.
