Delaware regional spelling bee slated March 7 in Dover

First State Educate will host the 2026 Delaware Regional Scripps Spelling Bee Saturday, March 7, at Delaware Tech’s Terry Campus in Dover.

Bringing together top student spellers from across Sussex, Kent and New Castle counties, the statewide academic competition celebrates literacy, perseverance and student achievement. The event is not open to the public.

Students representing more than 50 public, private and charter schools across Delaware will compete for the opportunity to advance to the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The academic competition is part of a nearly 100-year-old program that promotes literacy, vocabulary development and confidence among students nationwide.

Marking another year of growth for Delaware’s Bee, participation has expanded across all three counties, reflecting strong engagement from schools, educators and families statewide. Students competing at the regional level have demonstrated mastery of increasingly complex vocabulary and have committed significant time to preparation and study.

“The Delaware Spelling Bee highlights the academic excellence happening in schools across our state,” said Julia Keleher, executive director of First State Educate. “These students represent persistence, focus and a love of learning. The bee offers them a chance to shine on a public stage and reminds the broader community of what is possible when students are supported and encouraged.”

The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, held near Washington, D.C., will bring together top spellers from across the United States and abroad.