The date has been set for the 2026 Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council Regional Spelling Bee in Schuylkill County.
The spelling been is once again hosted in coordination with Schuylkill Technology Center.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the top spellers from Schuylkill County’s public and private learning institutions will gather at DHH Lengel Middle School Auditorium in Pottsville to determine who among them will represent the coal region at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
Registration for the Schuylkill County spelling bee begins this Fall. Students from fourth through eighth grade are eligible to compete. Local districts will host their own school bees to determine who makes it to Pottsville to compete in the county bee. A winner, runner-up, and alternate are chosen from each school.
Last year, Rowena Cresswell-Blickley, a seventh grader from Blue Mountain Middle School correctly spelled ‘orthochromatic’ to take the top prize in Schuylkill County.
“Spelling is a fundamental skill that extends far beyond the classroom. It plays a critical role in effective communication, professionalism, and success in the workplace, where accuracy and attention to detail are highly valued,” says Darlene J. Robbins, President of the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council. “It is an honor for the Council to sponsor the 2026 Regional Spelling Bee and support students as they develop these essential skills.”
This year’s winner of the NEPA MAEC Regional Spelling Bee will be awarded a trophy created and constructed by students enrolled in the Precision Machine Trades Program at Schuylkill Technology Center as well as a $50 gift card provided by the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society.
The 2026 version of the Schuylkill County spelling bee will also feature a new pronouncer, Ms. Mary Ann Hodges, a retired speech therapist.
Coal Region Canary is honored to serve on a panel of judges for the event for the second straight year and as an official media partner. Joining The Canary as judges will be Cynthia Mensch, of Alvernia University, Devina Singh, a past Schuylkill County champion and former National Spelling Bee competitor, and Justin Reed, of Skook News Media. Ashley Hess, of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, will serve as recordkeeper, with Cathy Bronakowski as Appeals Judge, and Shannon Brennan, of Schuylkill Technology Center, as emcee.
Dr. Rene Evans and Jaime Zimerofsky will serve as stage assistants.
“STC is delighted to be involved for the third year in continuing a long-standing tradition of a facilitating a Regional Spelling Bee, which would not be possible without the generous sponsorship from the Northeast Manufacturers & Employers Council and our dedicated volunteers,” Brennan says.
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