SPELLING BEE & PUBLIC SPEAKING 2026 - SATURDAY, SEP 12

Competition Format

• The Spelling Bee consists of oral rounds only, continuing until a champion (or co-champions) is declared.
• Each round, every student spells one word.
• Words are drawn from the published list of 300 practice words.
• If needed, off-list words may be used to determine a winner.

Word List

• A 300-word practice list is provided after registration.
• Oral round words come from a subset of this list.
• Judges may use additional words if needed to decide a winner.

Opening Ceremony

• Each student participates in “I Define Myself”:
  • Say and spell one word that describes them.

Oral Round Procedure

• Students are called in alphabetical order by last name.
• Each student:
  • May pronounce the word, spell it, and pronounce it again (encouraged but not required).
  • May request: repetition, definition, origin, part of speech, or a sentence.
• Judges will:
  • Clarify homonyms when applicable.
  • Stop a student if the word is mispronounced.
  • Make final decisions on correctness.
• Students must:
  • Spell orally only (no writing).
  • Face the judge and speak clearly and loudly.

Timing

• Up to 1 minute to begin spelling after hearing the word.
• Up to 1 minute to complete spelling once started.
• Failure to follow timing rules may result in disqualification.

Retracing (Corrections)

• A student may restart spelling from the beginning.
• Letters and sequence cannot be changed once spoken.
• Any change results in disqualification.

Elimination & Advancement

• Incorrect spelling results in immediate elimination.
• Competition continues until winners are determined.

Special Cases:

• If all students miss a word, no one is eliminated; a new round begins.
• If only one student is correct in a round, they must spell an additional word:
  • Correct → declared champion
  • Incorrect → all students return for the next round
• Ties may result in co-winners if needed.

Judging & Disputes

• Judges’ decisions are final.
• Accepted spellings must match Webster’s Dictionary (including standard variants).
• No other sources are permitted.

General Conduct

• No assistance from the audience; violations lead to disqualification.
• No talking during the competition.
• Audience must remain seated and not approach judges.
• Students may ask questions only during their turn.

Winners & Awards

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are awarded.
• All participants receive a digital Certificate of Participation.
• Top 3 winners receive trophies or medals.