Spelling Bee

The Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee is a Regional bee affiliated with the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The winner wins a trip to compete in the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee near Washington, D.C.

Spelling bees help students improve their spelling, expand their vocabularies, learn language concepts, and develop correct English usage, plus composure under the spotlight, which will help them all of their lives.

2026 Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee

15 regional qualifiers from six counties (Allegan, Barry, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo and Ottawa) will compete on March 19 at the Kent ISD Conference Center for the right to go to Washington, D.C. for the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The winner in 2025 was Elliott Covelle, an 8th grader from Forest Hills Northern Middle School. Her classmate, Vonn Oosterhouse, a 7th grader at Forest Hills Northern Middle School came in 2nd place. Karsen Wagenmaker, a 7th grader from Fremont Middle School came in 3rd place.

Spelling Bee Coordinator Maddy Gimby, Elliott Covelle and Pronouncer Mark Raffler.

Information and Resources

Scripps National Spelling Bee