February is always an exciting time for WHRO Education. This is the month we host the Virginia Media Spelling Bee, a regional competition that determines which local student will move on to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland.

The national competition has become a popular event through the years. It began in 1925 when nine newspapers joined together to host a spelling bee. Now, 95 years later the Bee reaches 11 million students each year.

Each year’s event provides its own exciting and nail-biting moments. At the 2019 national competition, judges made history when they ran out of challenging words for eight final contestants. After the 20th round and no challenging words left, the eight final contestants became co-champions!

The excitement is no less palpable here in our studio when the regional bee takes place. Students and parents both must battle their nerves as the competition progresses. This year marks the thirteenth year that WHRO staff, employees from The Virginian-Pilot, local reporters, and WHRO volunteers will join forces to host the Virginia Media Spelling Bee. The first, second and third place winners will receive trophies from Virginia Media. The first place winner will also receive travel expenses for a trip to compete in the 2020 Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

We hope you will gather your friends and tune in for this exciting event! Watch it unfold on February 29 at 5:00 p.m. on WHRO TV 15 or on our Facebook page. 

Corporate Support provided by Thomas Nelson Community College

 

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