Move over March Madness—Scioto County is scoring championships in both sneakers and syllables!
While the Portsmouth High School Lady Trojans continue to bask in the glory of their basketball state championship—and a well-deserved honor at the Ohio Statehouse this week—another unstoppable team of local stars just clinched a major victory of their own.
Wheelersburg Middle School just won the Ohio Middle School State Title in Vocabulary.com’s Spring 2025 Vocabulary Bowl, a global academic competition that challenges students to master new words and flex their brainpower. And wow—did they deliver.
These brilliant young Pirates mastered over 19,800 words, placing them in the top 5% worldwide out of hundreds of thousands of students. It’s the first state championship for Wheelersburg in the competition—and they didn’t just squeak by. They dominated:
- #1 Middle School in Ohio
- #3 Overall in the entire U.S.
- #2 in Ohio overall—just behind a high school!
- #3 in the U.S. among all Division II schools
That’s right—these middle schoolers out-worded nearly every school in the country, high schools included. 🧠💥
Wheelersburg has been a vocabulary powerhouse for years, with top-10 finishes in previous seasons, but this is their first official state championship title—a historic win for the team, their teachers, and the community cheering them on.
Meanwhile, the Lady Trojans have also made hometown history with their basketball state title, showcasing the talent, tenacity, and teamwork that defines Portsmouth pride. Their recent trip to the Ohio Statehouse to be recognized for their victory was a moment to remember—and a reminder that Scioto County students are shining in every arena, from the court to the classroom.
A Word from the Competition
This year’s Vocabulary Bowl featured more than 380,000 students and 30,000 teachers from 109 countries. Learners mastered over 4.6 million words—proving that language skills aren’t just academic, they’re powerful tools for communication and connection.
Wheelersburg Middle School’s achievement reflects not just raw talent but hard work, dedication, and a love for learning—and they’ve now etched their names among the top academic competitors in the world.
🏀 Brains and Ballers—Scioto County is raising champions on every front. Whether it’s breaking down full-court presses or complex vocabulary, these students are proving that hard work, heart, and hometown spirit are a winning combination.