For the first time in 75 years, the Scripps National Spelling Bee national finals has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is a disappointment for eighth grade students, who are in their final eligibility requirements for the bee. Scripps will not alter their age cut off for those eight grade students missing out this year.
Executive Director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Paige Kimble, stated “Our hearts go out to the spellers who won’t get their final shot at winning because of the pandemic and the difficult decisions it is prompting us to make.” The full statement can be found here spellingbee.com/updates
The last time the bee had been canceled was from 1943-1945 due to World War II. The first Scripps National Spelling Bee was first introduced in 1925. Next year’s spelling bee is scheduled for June 1-3 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
It was previously announced on March 20 that the 2020 Scripps National Spelling Bee would be postponed, until this Tuesday morning when it was announced that it had been canceled. The bee’s organizers plan to recognize the 150 spellers who would have participated in the national bee finals.
