Coronavirus: 2020 Scripps National Spelling Bee Officially Canceled

WASHINGTON D.C – For the first time since 1945 the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals have been officially canceled for 2020.

On March 20 the Bee announced they would be suspending the finals and hoped to reschedule to a later date. The Bee later determined “there is no clear path to safety set a new date in 2020.”

“Our thoughts immediately go to our spellers and their families. The students have dedicated time and effort to their passion for learning. They should be proud of all they have accomplished by winning spelling bees at the classroom, school, and regional level,” said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in a statement. “Nevertheless, our first priority has to be the health and well-being of our spellers and their families and the hundreds of staff and spectators that come together for Bee Week.

According to the statement, more than 150 local sponsors completed regional programs declaring champions before social distancing measures went into effect. The Scripps National Spelling Bee will recognize those spellers in the coming months.

Starting in August teachers in participating schools will be provided access to spelling and vocabulary materials for the 2020 – 2021 school year. The materials will include suggestions and guidelines for conducting spelling bees in a remote environment.

The 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee is scheduled for June 1-3, 2021, in National Harbor, Maryland.