EDUCATION

Nationals Begin: Spellers Compete in Washington This Week

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Washington — The Scripps National Spelling Bee began this week at Constitution Hall, with preliminary rounds starting Tuesday and concluding with finals on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Local qualifiers include Tia Geisler of Mentor, Ohio; Aadhya Adhikari of Marietta; Joseph Keefer of Athens; and Nirav Nimbarte of Charleston, each returning or advancing to the national stage. This week’s schedule includes televised preliminaries on Scripps Sports Tuesday morning, quarterfinals Wednesday morning and evening semifinals, and a final broadcast Thursday night on ION; Mina Kimes serves as the event’s television host, and participants and broadcasters expect multi-platform national coverage and public attention.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

1925: First national spelling bee organized by the Louisville Courier-Journal.
1943–1945: Bee canceled during World War II.
2019: The Bee ended in an eight-way tie.
2020: The Bee was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
26–28 May 2026: The Bee returns to Washington, D.C., with preliminaries through finals and multi-platform broadcasts.

Why This Matters to You

The National Spelling Bee is a community event that brings people together. It's a chance to cheer on local qualifiers like Tia, Aadhya, Joseph, and Nirav. You can follow their journey on Scripps Sports and ION. It's a great family activity that promotes education and perseverance.

The Bottom Line

The Bee is back after a COVID-19 hiatus, showcasing the resilience of our youth. It's a testament to the importance of education and community spirit. If you know a young speller, encourage them to participate next year. Worth forwarding if you know a teacher or a proud parent.