Regional Spelling Bee Returns to Memphis Feb. 9

February 7, 2019 - The University of Memphis and Christian Brothers University will co-sponsor the 2019 Shelby County Spelling Bee on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the UofM's Michael D. Rose Theatre. The winner will advance to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.

"The University of Memphis is extremely excited to partner with CBU in sponsoring the SCS Spelling Bee," said UofM President M. David Rudd. "It is important to keep Memphis kids in Memphis in order to be a part of the spelling bee. The Scripps National Spelling Bee is one of the nation's oldest and most iconic competitions."

Seventy-four schools registered for the Regional Spelling Bee. Each school's champion took an online test administered and proctored by Scripps. Scripps graded the tests and submitted to the UofM the top 50 spellers in Shelby County.

"The Scripps Spelling Bee is a great American tradition, and I am very happy CBU and the UofM could work out this partnership to return the Regional Bee to Memphis, allowing our students to focus on spelling and not travel," said CBU President John Smarrelli.

The University of Memphis provided transportation for Shelby County participants in the Regional Spelling Bee in Nashville last March. The UofM and the Tennessee Titans partnered to present last year's spelling bee at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

For more information, go to spellingbee.com.