Pasadena, TX — Haven Orsua, a student at Dr. Dixie Melillo Middle School, is headed to the national spotlight after earning third place at the 2026 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee hosted by Houston Community College on Saturday.

The finish secured Orsua a spot at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will take place in the Washington, D.C., area in May. To prepare for the high‑level competition, Orsua studied more than 4,450 words, sharpening his skills months in advance.

“I have competed in the spelling bee since third grade, and I am happy that I finally reached my goal of winning to go to the national championship,” Haven said. “I feel excited and nervous, but more excited to go compete.”

District officials said Haven is the first Pasadena ISD student in more than 25 years to advance to the National Spelling Bee, making his accomplishment a historic milestone for the district.

Educators at Melillo Middle School played a key role in supporting Orsua’s journey. Like, reading instructional coach Megan Medina worked closely with him to build vocabulary, confidence and readiness following last year’s regional competition.

“Our belief here at Melillo is progress over perfection,” Medina said. “My only wish for Haven when he returned to the Regional Bee was to grow from his experience last year. He not only did that but also made history and secured a top spot that will take him to Washington, D.C. I’m proud that Haven will represent Melillo and Pasadena ISD on the national stage. He has the entire school rallying behind him.”

Melillo staff members described Haven as a determined and humble student whose work ethic set him apart throughout the competition.

School librarian Debra Yocum also supported Haven leading up to the regional competition and was present to cheer him on during the event. “Supporting Haven through this journey was easy because he is a go getter,” Yocum said. “Checking in on him, encouraging him and letting him know that the entire school is behind him were important for me to do when he was gearing up for the Regional Spelling Bee.”

As this mustang prepares to compete against the nation’s top spellers this spring, his achievement reflects both personal dedication and the strong academic support system within Pasadena ISD.