Navajo Times celebrates 20 years
as spelling bee partner, honors 2025 champion Christopher Werito

Posted by Navajo Times | Mar 21, 2025 | News |

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

CROWNPOINT

Eighth grader Christopher Werito of Tsaile Public School topped other students Thursday to become the Navajo Times-Office of Diné Youth Final Regional Spelling Bee champion.

Werito correctly spelled “buzzworthy,” the anticipated championship word.

With this victory, Werito has earned a spot at the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. The 2025 bee will take place May 27-29.

“I am proud to have won and excited to travel to Washington, D.C.,” Werito said after his win. “I went over the vocabulary list over and over again, so I’m glad it played off.”

His mother, Raquel Werito, expressed her joy and admiration for her son’s dedication. “His 8th grade class was on a field trip in Flagstaff today (March 20), but I went to pick him up early so he could compete in the bee,” she said. “This is his first time competing in something academic related. I am very glad that he is pushing himself. He is very smart, and he has proven to himself that he is capable of great things if he really tries.”

The competition was intense with runner-up Ethan Stevenson from Kirtland Middle School, also an eighth grader, putting up a strong challenge. “I was really nervous during the competition,” Stevenson said. “I didn’t even know if I was going to make it past the vocabulary test, so I feel good about winning runner up. I’m not upset that I didn’t win first place.”

Werito’s victory marks an important achievement for him and his school, as he prepares to represent the Navajo Nation on a national stage. The Scripps National Spelling Bee will bring together the best young spellers from across the country. Werito will have the chance to showcase his skills.