Mid-Continent Public Library Hosts Jackson-Clay County Spelling Bee
Mid-Continent Public Library will host the 2021 Jackson-Clay County Spelling Bee for students in grades 8 and under, which will be held on Saturday, March 13, at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom*. The winner of this bee will go on to compete in three more online qualifying rounds organized by the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and if they make it, will be sent to Orlando for the final national bee.
Only 10 to 12 finalists will make it to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Florida this July. If the winner of the Jackson-Clay County Spelling Bee makes it to this final round, MCPL will cover their travel expenses to compete in Orlando.
“This year’s Jackson-Clay County Bee looks much different than it normally does, but the spirit of learning and friendly competition remains strong,” said MCPL’s Sara Peterson-Davis, who coordinates the bee. “Kids will connect to the bee remotely via their devices, but the process is largely still the same—to win, you have to spell the most words correctly.”
During the virtual bee, participants will be monitored to ensure all rules are followed, as outlined by Scripps. There are 26 contestants in this year’s Jackson-Clay County Bee. Each qualified by winning their local school or homeschool bee as well as qualifying in a divisional spelling bee that was also hosted virtually by Mid-Continent Public Library on February 27.
Spelling bees from south Kansas City include:
| Oluwateniola | Adeyoe | Ingels Elementary |
| Michelle | Akinola | Belvidere Elementary |
| Aiyanna | Betts | Truman Elementary |
| Maria | Demel | St. Thomas More School |
| Breanna | Noah | Smith-Hale Middle School |
| Levi | Parker | Calvary Lutheran School |
The Jackson-Clay County Championship Spelling Bee is a single elimination bee. Spellers begin the day with a practice round. Once that is completed the official competition begins. Spellers will be given a word to spell. Spellers who spell their words correctly will advance to the next round. Those who spell incorrectly will be eliminated from the competition. Competition continues until a single champion is determined.
For information on the 2021 National Spelling Bee, visit spellingbee.com. Also, “Bee” sure to follow the Jackson-Clay County Spelling Bee on Facebook and Twitter to hear the latest buzz!
*The Library ensured all participants had access to internet for this year’s bees. The Library’s Wi-Fi To Go hotspots were available for anyone in need of high-speed connectivity.