University of Kentucky to Host Big Blue Bee Spelling Championship as Part of its Centennial Celebrations

Big Blue Bee Spelling Competition Catches the Buzz in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky.- As March sets in, a different type of excitement pervades over the University of Kentucky College of Education. They are all set to host an academic jamboree, the inaugural Big Blue Bee Spelling Bee Championship. Expected to draw in a large crowd on March 2, 2024, students from the first through the eighth grade will compete against each other for the regional championship title.

Big Blue Bee: More than Just a Spelling Bee

The Big Blue Bee is not an ordinary spelling bee competition. The winner will be catapulted to national fame, getting a chance to participate in the 2024 Scripps Cup national competition in Washington, D.C. in May. The event, which is open to the public, is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center.

Prominent Personalities at the Big Blue Bee

The spelling bee will witness participation of over 30 students from Central Kentucky. Also making an appearance are several prominent personalities. Lex 18 News anchor Larry Smith will act as the Emcee while the director of educator preparation at the UK College of Education, Christopher Reese, will take on the role of the Pronouncer. Alongside them, Sydney DeLong, the executive producer of Lex18 News, will adjudicate the contest as Head Judge. The stage will also be shared by other distinguished judges from the respective fields.

The 100th Anniversary Celebration of the UK College of Education

The Big Blue Bee is no ordinary event. It is, in fact, part of the 100th-anniversary celebration of the UK College of Education. The marathon academic year celebration began with the inception of the college in 1923. The grandeur and importance of the event are summed up effectively by the UK College of Education Acting Dean, Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., who stated, “This inaugural spelling bee will be a memorable event as we celebrate the impact of our college during its 100th anniversary. We hope the Big Blue Bee will produce the next national champion from the University of Kentucky.

The Larger Celebration!

The academic year celebration is not just limited to the Big Blue Bee. Inviting the public to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the College of Education, the university has also planned a Big Blue Bash on Saturday, April 20. The event will showcase the former UK Women’s Basketball head coach Matthew Mitchell’s band, the Coach Mitchell Band. Proceeds from a silent auction featuring artwork and Kentucky collectibles will be used to support the Centennial Scholarship Fund.

University of Kentucky: Pioneering Education and Serving the Commonwealth

The University of Kentucky, a flagship land-grant institution, has a proud history of nurturing future leaders and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through their commitment to education, research, and health care. From becoming a catalyst for academic breakthroughs to creating a sense of belonging, the University of Kentucky continues its commitment to serving the Commonwealth and the world.