Salina's Kansas Wesleyan University to host Sunflower State Spelling Bee in 2024, 2025
Kansas Wesleyan University will host the Sunflower State's top young spellers for at least the next two years.
An agreement was announced this week between the university and the Kansas Press Association to host the organization's Sunflower State Spelling Bee for 2024 and 2025.
The Sunflower State Spelling Bee is an annual event celebrating the state's top spellers among students up to the eighth grade. The event is anticipated to bring around 100 students and their families to Salina, a fairly central location for the statewide event.
Kansas Wesleyan's director of marketing and communications Brad Salois said the university's communications department spearheaded conversations with the KPA about hosting.
"All of us at Kansas Wesleyan are thrilled to host this event," Salois said in a statement. "It’s a great opportunity to showcase our campus to some of the best and brightest students in the state."
How to attend or compete in the Spelling Bee
The 2024 bee is scheduled for March 23 in Mabee Arena on the Kansas Wesleyan campus. The start time is still to be determined. The 2025 competition is planned for Sam's Chapel, which is currently undergoing renovations.
Each Kansas county may send their respective county bee winner to the state event. The Saline County Spelling Bee is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2024, at the Southeast of Saline School Auditorium.
The winner of the Sunflower State Spelling Bee will be eligible for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is broadcast yearly on national television.
Amber Jackson, KPA's state bee coordinator said the organization is proud to partner with Kansas Wesleyan for the next two years.
“We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to welcoming the best spellers in the state to Salina in March," Jackson said in a statement.
Kendrick Calfee has been a reporter with the Salina Journal since 2022. You can reach him at kcalfee@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, @calfee_kc.
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Sunflower State Spelling Bee will be in Salina the next two years
