CINCINNATI — More spellers than ever are converging on the 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, May 26-31. A total of 565 participants will compete for the largest cash prize in Bee history.
The numbers tell the story:
The spellers range in age from 7 to 15. There are nine sets of siblings competing, including two sets of twins – one identical. A total of 163 spellers have previous experience competing in the national finals.
Locally sponsored programs held regional competitions in February and March. In early April, RSVBee applicants accepted invitations to join the regional winners at the national finals. To qualify for RSVBee, spellers had to win their school spelling bee or be a former national finalist and attend a school enrolled in the Bee program. Parents applied on behalf of their child and paid a $1,500 participation fee to accept an invitation. The 2018 Champion Karthik Nemmani, from McKinney, Texas, was an RSVBee participant.
“The Scripps National Spelling Bee is a time-honored tradition and a true piece of Americana,” said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Bee. “In our program’s nine-decades-long history, we have inspired millions of students to improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage. All spellers can stand proud knowing they gave their very best, and they will reap the benefits of participation, which include confidence and perseverance.”
The Bee on ESPN:
For the 26th consecutive year, ESPN and its family of channels will provide coverage of the Bee. The broadcast/livestream of onstage spelling follows this schedule (all times Eastern):
Tuesday, May 28:
Wednesday, May 29:
Thursday, May 30:
The prizes for the champion include:
The competition takes place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, just outside of Washington, D.C.
About the Scripps National Spelling Bee:
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program. The purpose of the Scripps National Spelling Bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives. Visit spellingbee.com for more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps Company.
About Scripps:
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of local and national media brands. With 52 television stations in 36 markets, Scripps is one of the nation’s largest independent TV station owners. Scripps runs a collection of national journalism and content businesses, including Newsy, the next-generation national news network; podcast industry leader Stitcher; the fast-growing national broadcast networks Bounce, Grit, Escape, Laff and Court TV; and Triton, the global leader in digital audio technology and measurement services. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”
Contacts:
For questions or general inquiries:
513-977-3040
Spellingbee.com/contact
Twitter.com/ScrippsBee
For media inquiries only:
Valerie Miller, Communications Manager
513-545-6474
[email protected]