Students Set to Compete at the Big Blue Bee Organized by UK College of Education

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 28, 2024)

The city is abuzz with the excitement of a unique spelling bee event that is set to take place this weekend. The University of Kentucky College of Education’s Big Blue Bee invites the public to join in the thrill as school spelling bee champions from first through eighth grade compete for the regional title.

The Big Blue Bee: A Journey to the Nationals

The awardee of the event will proceed to the coveted 2024 Scripps Cup national competition, which will be held in Washington, D.C., in May. The Big Blue Bee is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center. The event is open to the public and free, but a ticket is necessary and can be availed online.

Who to Expect at the Big Blue Bee

The Big Blue Bee will be graced by more than 30 students hailing from different parts of Central Kentucky. Notable personalities who will play vital roles in the event include Larry Smith, anchor, LEX18 News, who will be the Emcee; Christopher Reese, director of educator preparation, UK College of Education, serving as the Pronouncer; Sydney DeLong, executive producer, LEX18 News as Head Judge; Margaret Rintamaa, Ed.D., associate dean, UK College of Education, and Jacqueline Hamilton, Ed.D., English professor, Eastern Kentucky University as Judges; Melissa McCaughan, student affairs officer, UK College of Education, as Manual Recorder; and Zitsi Mirakhur, Ph.D., assistant professor, UK College of Education, as Audio Recorder.

A Centennial Celebration and Inaugural Spelling Bee Event

The Big Blue Bee comes as part of a series of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of UK College of Education, which was founded in 1923, and notably, only two years before the commencement of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Speaking about the event, UK College of Education Acting Dean Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., expressed her excitement stating, “This inaugural spelling bee will be a memorable event as we celebrate the impact of our college during its 100th anniversary. It will be a great honor for the Big Blue Bee to produce the next national champion from the University of Kentucky.”

Public Invited to Centennial Celebration

In addition to the spelling bee, the public is warmly welcomed to join the celebration of the College of Education’s 100th Anniversary at the Big Blue Bash on Saturday, April 20. The lively event will feature entertainment by the Coach Mitchell Band, led by former UK Women’s Basketball head coach Matthew Mitchell. A silent auction, showcasing artwork and Kentucky collectibles, will be held to raise funds for the Centennial Scholarship Fund.

Mission of the University of Kentucky

As the flagship, land-grant institution of the state, the University of Kentucky strives to advance the Commonwealth through education, research, and creative work, service, and healthcare. With over 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise, and a world-class medical center all on one campus, the University is dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders and transforming the lives of Kentuckians. Today, the university was proud to be ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine, marking its continual service to the Commonwealth and beyond.

Press Contact

For press inquiries regarding the Big Blue Bee, please reach out to Meg Mills at Margaret.Mills@uky.edu or call at 859-323-7978.