MITCHELL, S.D. — In a triumph of academic persistence and youthful intellect, twenty-five elementary and middle school students from across South Dakota have qualified to compete in the celebrated South Dakota State Spelling Bee. This highly esteemed event takes place on February 7 at Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell, with the ultimate victor earning a coveted position at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington this coming May.
Sponsored for the second year by South Dakota News Watch and DWU, the state-level spelling bee emphasizes the university’s mission of fostering academic excellence and lifelong learning. “Hosting the South Dakota State Spelling Bee reflects Dakota Wesleyan University’s commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning. It’s an honor to welcome students from across the state and celebrate their hard work, curiosity, and love of learning,” said Jan Larson, DWU’s director of marketing and communications.
For the local community and participants, the event represents more than competition—it symbolizes a deep-seated respect for education and the intellectual growth of South Dakota’s youth. Each year, millions of students globally interact with the educational materials the bee provides to enrollees, fostering academic curiosity and sharpening linguistic skills.
Participation in the bee is not merely an exercise in spelling but also a transformative experience in public speaking, confidence building, and peer connection. As students spell their way through a labyrinth of challenging words, they gain competencies that will surely benefit them in their future academic endeavours and beyond.
The list of schools with students qualifying for the state competition is notably diverse, showcasing the wide reach and importance of the spelling bee within the state:
- Brandon: Brandon Valley Intermediate School; Robert Bennis Elementary School
- Brookings: George S. Mickelson Middle School
- Clear Lake: Deuel School
- Estelline: Estelline Junior High; Sharon F. Delzer Elementary School
- Garretson School
- Madison Elementary School
- Milbank Middle School
- Mitchell: Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary School
- North Sioux City: Dakota Valley Upper Elementary Middle School
- Parkston Elementary School
- Piedmont Valley Elementary School
- Platte-Geddes Elementary School
- Rapid City: Saint Elizabeth Seton Central School; Saint Thomas More Middle School
- Scotland Middle Senior High School
- Sioux Falls: Challenge Center Elementary School; Good Shepherd Lutheran School
- Spearfish: Black Hills Christian Academy
- Sturgis Elementary School
- Vermillion Middle School; Vermillion Elementary School
- Waverly South Shore School
- Yankton: Sacred Heart Middle School
The diversity and number of schools involved highlight South Dakota’s collective investment in fostering educational prowess and unity among these promising young scholars. As South Dakota embraces the ethos of lifelong learning, the bee stands as a testament to the state’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of eloquent speakers and thinkers.
South Dakota News Watch and Dakota Wesleyan University’s sponsorships exemplify regional commitments to enrich educational pathways and opportunities, ensuring that students from various counties—right from the urban hubs of Sioux Falls and Rapid City to the serene communities of Vermillion and Spearfish—gain exposure and enrichment opportunities that are typically perceived to be beyond their reach.
As the countdown to the South Dakota State Spelling Bee continues, students, parents, teachers, and communities alike anticipate a display of not just spelling skills but the vibrant intellectual spirit that embodies South Dakota’s youth. This statewide initiative not only uplifts the students involved but also shines a light on the spirit of cooperation and shared learning experiences that define Dakota culture.
With excitement brewing and South Dakota poised to salute its young intellectuals, the spelling bee serves as a reminder of the power of education to inspire, connect, and propel students to greater heights.
For more details on the South Dakota State Spelling Bee and updates on the competition, readers can visit the South Dakota News Watch website or contact Dakota Wesleyan University at info@dwu.edu.