Experience First-hand Spelling Bee Jitters at the Big Blue Bee

Incipient Lexington

Lexington, Kentucky, is buzzing with excitement as school spelling bee champions from first through eighth-grade gear up to compete in the University of Kentucky College of Education’s “Big Blue Bee” spelling bee competition.

The spellbound event is set to take place on March 2, 2024, at 1 pm at the picturesque Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center. The Big Blue Bee isn’t an ordinary spelling bee. It provides an exciting stage for more than 30 students from across Central Kentucky who will compete for the regional title with the chance to advance to the looming Scripps Cup national competition in Washington, D.C. this May.

Meet the Judge Panel

The illustrious panel has representatives from various notable fields and institutions. Larry Smith, an anchor from LEX18 News, will be the emcee of the day. Accompanying him, Christopher Reese, the director of educator preparation at UK College of Education, will serve as the Pronouncer. Sydney DeLong, the executive producer from LEX18 News, will settle into the Head Judge’s chair. Other judges include Margaret Rintamaa, Ed.D., the associate dean of UK College of Education, and Jacqueline Hamilton, Ed.D., an English professor, Eastern Kentucky University.

The event is also slated to feature manual recorder Melissa McCaughan, student affairs officer of UKCOE, and audio recorder Zitsi Mirakhur, Ph.D., assistant professor at the UK College of Education.

100th Anniversary Celebration

This inaugural spelling bee marks the centennial celebration of the UK College of Education. The historic institution was established in 1923, just two years before the inception of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 1925. The acting Dean of UK College of Education, Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., expressed her desire to see the Big Blue Bee produce the next national champion from the University of Kentucky.

Upcoming Celebrations and Contact Details

Apart from the Big Blue Bee, the public is invited to partake in the Big Blue Bash on April 20, 2024, in celebration of the institution’s centennial anniversary. The event will feature Coach Mitchell Band for entertainment and a silent auction with artwork and Kentucky collectibles to raise funds for the Centennial Scholarship Fund.

For more information pertaining to the Big Blue Bee, kindly contact Mariama Lockington, research administrative coordinator in the UK College of Education Office of Clinical Preparation and Partnerships.

About the University of Kentucky

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. With over 200 academic programs, the university plays a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of leaders. A testament to its commitment is the recognition by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads,” and its acknowledgment as a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity. Despite the evolving mission since its inception in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. The University of Kentucky is indeed the University for Kentucky.