GEORGETOWN, DE (Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024) — Sussex County’s best spellers are hoping for a little l-u-c-k when they compete for top honors next month.
Twenty local students will gather over St. Patrick’s Day weekend to take part in the second annual Sussex County Regional Spelling Bee competition, set for 1 p.m., Saturday, March 16, at Sussex Academy in Georgetown. The event, sponsored by Sussex County Libraries, will send one winner to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May, where participants will compete for the Scripps Cup.
This year, 10 schools have registered for the Sussex County competition, allowing students ranging from third through fifth grades to participate in America’s longest-running educational competition. The 2023 champion of the inaugural Sussex County Regional Spelling Bee was Declan Durand, a 10-year-old fifth grader from Love Creek Elementary School near Rehoboth Beach. Durand won the title and chance to compete in the National Bee after winning in the ninth round with the word “elegant.”
This year marks the second for Sussex County Libraries as an official Scripps National Spelling Bee regional partner, and the only in southern Delaware. “We are proud to offer access once again for Sussex County students to engage in this national student recognition program. It is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their literacy skills, build their confidence, and engage in healthy competition,” said Rachel Lynch, Sussex County Librarian.
In addition to demonstrating their vocabulary prowess, participation in regional bees also gives students the chance to gain experience in public speaking, develop confidence, and inspire a love of learning and connection with their peers.
Due to limited seated, this year’s regional event will be by-invitation only for friends and families of the participants. The competition will be streamed live on the Sussex County Department of Libraries’ Facebook page. The Scripps National Spelling Bee is scheduled for May 29-30 at National Harbor, near Washington, D.C. That event will be televised nationally on ION.
To learn more about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, visit www.spellingbee.com.
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