27-05-2025
Local students compete at National Spelling Bee Championships
MISSOURI – Seven bright students from Missouri are set to showcase their linguistic skills at the upcoming Scripps National Spelling Bee championships.
The students represent seven different cities in the Show-Me State.
Ranging in age from 11 to 14, these young minds are ready to take on the nation's toughest words.
This year marks a monumental occasion for the Bee – its 100th anniversary. From a modest beginning with just nine spellers in 1925, the competition has grown into a national phenomenon, inspiring millions of students across the country.
Two familiar faces are returning to the national stage for their second consecutive appearance:
Kunal Patel, who attends Branson Junior High, tied for 46th place in 2024.
Scott Tingle from Hornersville, who tied for 192nd place in 2024.
A total of 243 spelling champions from across the U.S. and beyond will gather in National Harbor, Maryland, for this ultimate test of vocabulary and spelling. Competitors from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Department of Defense Schools, and even five other countries (the Bahamas, Canada, Ghana, Kuwait, and Nigeria) will vie for the coveted Scripps Cup.
The competition will feature both spelling and vocabulary rounds, strategically narrowing the field through the Preliminaries, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals.
Preliminary Rounds:
Tuesday, May 27
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CDT
Watch on BounceXL
Quarterfinals:
Wednesday, May 28
8 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. CDT
Watch on BounceXL
Semifinals:
Wednesday, May 28
8 – 10 p.m. ET (7 – 9 p.m. CDT)
Watch on ION (KRBK's 49.4 channel)
Finals:
Thursday, May 29
8 – 10 p.m. ET (7 – 9 p.m. CDT)
Watch on ION (KRBK's 49.4 channel)
Every speller will receive prizes, with the champion earning the esteemed Scripps Cup and significant cash prizes.
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