Thirty-one elementary and middle school students will compete March 29 in the South Dakota State Spelling Bee, with the winner advancing to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington where they will vie for the Scripps Cup.
As part of their commitment to education, South Dakota News Watch and Dakota Wesleyan University are the official regional partner and will for the first time sponsor the state bee at DWU in Mitchell. This is the 100th anniversary year of America’s longest-running educational competition.
“Spelling forms the foundation of good communication, so it’s vital to encourage students to hone that skill. The state bee builds their confidence, rewards their hard work and ensures South Dakota is represented at the national competition,” said Carson Walker, CEO of South Dakota News Watch.
Each year, the bee reaches millions of students across the country and around the world with the classroom materials it provides to schools enrolled in the yearlong program. Participation in regional bees also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in public speaking, develop confidence and inspire a love of learning and connection with their peers.
The 31 schools taking part chose a winner for the state competition and the chance to represent South Dakota at the national bee in May.
Schools sending a student to the state bee:
- Aberdeen: Holgate Middle School
- Brandon: Brandon Valley Intermediate School; Robert Bennis Elementary School
- Brookings: George S. Mickelson Middle School
- Clear Lake: Deuel School
- Estelline: Estelline Junior High; Sharon F. Delzer Elementary School
- Ethan: Ethan School
- Florence: Florence School
- Garretson: Garretson School
- Hot Springs: Hot Springs Elementary School; Hot Springs Middle School
- Milbank: Milbank Middle School
- North Sioux City: Dakota Valley Upper Elementary Middle School
- Piedmont: Piedmont Valley Elementary School
- Platte: Platte-Geddes Elementary School
- Rapid City: Calvary Christian School; Saint Elizabeth Seton Central School; Saint Thomas More Middle School; Saints in the Making Homeschool
- Scotland: Scotland Middle Senior High School
- Sioux Falls: Challenge Center Elementary School; Cornerstone School; Good Shepherd Lutheran School
- Spearfish: Black Hills Christian Academy
- Sturgis: Sturgis Elementary School
- Summerset: Stagebarn Middle School
- Vermillion: Vermillion Middle School
- Watertown: Saint Martin Lutheran School
- Waverly: Waverly South Shore School
- Yankton: Webster Elementary School