The Mississippi Spelling Bee season has begun and K-8 schools across the state are engaging in activities that focus on our English language, its spelling and vocabulary, to prepare students to compete in district, county, and state spelling competitions. The Spelling Bee experience, sponsored by the C Spire Foundation, prepares two Mississippi students to advance and compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

Spelling Bee interest continues to grow in Mississippi and the event continues to strengthen students’ language development, sportsmanship, students’ confidence, public speaking, and study skills. We are proud to be a part of the Scripps Bee as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Over the past three years, we have learned a lot about the Bee process. It takes lots of planning from our volunteer Bee Team and Board to make the statewide spelling bee program a reality. Three directors across the state support the county coordinators who help the district and school coordinators as needed. Work begins with teachers and students in August and continues through the state Bee.

The top three spellers from each county Bee may compete in a February online Semi-Final, with the top spellers advancing to the state spelling bee competition on the Mississippi University for Women campus on March 22. Support is then focused on the two top champion spellers to ensure they are ready for Bee Week at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Bee Week for our champions is a busy and exciting time. Often it is the first time spellers have flown or traveled that distance. Winning this opportunity is a life changing and memorable experience for our Mississippi champions.

The Mississippi Bee’s fundraising efforts provide the top two spellers $1,000 each to help offset trip expenses. With rising travel costs and knowing that our champions may come from vastly different economic circumstances, we are working to double that amount and looking for sponsors or donations to help. We want to ensure that our spellers can make the trip and enjoy the Bee experience without incurring stress or debt. Any amount is appreciated and donations can be sent to Edward Jones, 100 5th Street South, Columbus, MS 39701. Make checks payable to ‘Edward Jones’ and in the memo line ‘Mississippi Spelling Bee’ or your check can be deposited to the ‘MS Spelling Bee’ at any Bank First.

Scripps registration for the Bee is open until November 1 and can be completed at spellingbee.com.

We appreciate your interest and support of the C Spire Foundation Mississippi Spelling Bee. For additional information, please contact us.

Lois Kappler, Mississippi Spelling Bee

[email protected]