Aiden Meng, a seventh-grade student at Orinda Intermediate School, was celebrated at the Orinda City Council meeting on July 21 for his accomplishment of tying for sixth place at the 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee final competition.

    Donna Brown from the Office of Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan said she was proud to represent the assembly member as well as State Sen. Tim Grayson to honor Meng. “We are honored to celebrate Aiden Meng … who has distinguished himself on the regional, state, and national stage through his exceptional performance at each level of competition,” Brown said. 

    “Aiden's success at the state level earned him the opportunity to represent the San Francisco Bay Area at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., where he competed among the nation's most accomplished young scholars, advanced through 12 rounds of competition, and ultimately tied for sixth place – an extraordinary accomplishment in one of the country's most rigorous academic contests,” Brown added.

    The City of Orinda also recognized Meng’s achievement with a proclamation recognizing him for his outstanding academic achievement. Mayor Brandyn Iverson read out the proclamation, which applauded Meng for demonstrating the accomplishments of young people whose dedication, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence inspire our community and serve as an example for others.

    “Aiden displayed extraordinary determination, intellectual curiosity, discipline, and poise under pressure, bringing great pride to his family, his school, and the entire Orinda community,” the proclamation stated. 

    The young scholar thanked the council and state representatives, commenting, “This is cool.” At the podium, he thanked his family and expressed appreciation for all his friends “that came perhaps against their will, but I appreciate you.”

    “It's been a cool year of spelling,” Meng said. “I've worked pretty hard. I'm glad that all of this hard work has paid off. I got sixth and that was amazing.” He promised to come back next year and hopes to win. 

    Mayor Iverson concluded with congratulating Meng, adding, “This was a lot of fun for us to get to recognize you and we're very proud. I hope next year we get to do it again.” Vice Mayor Darlene Gee, added her congratulations, saying, “It’s so nice to have you in Orinda.”