Scripps National Spelling Bee

The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee is underway in Washington, D.C., and two Alaska students are part of this year's national field.

Who is competing

Alaska's News Source reported on May 27, 2026 that two Alaska middle-schoolers were competing in the national bee this week. The report specifically framed them as part of the quarterfinal field in Washington, D.C.

The scale of the event

The broader competition is large again this year. According to the official Scripps National Spelling Bee site, 247 spellers traveled to Washington for the 2026 event. The official site also confirms that competition is taking place on May 27 and May 28 at DAR Constitution Hall.

Why it matters

For local competitors, reaching the Scripps National Spelling Bee is already a significant achievement before a championship word is ever called. The clean takeaway is simple: the Scripps National Spelling Bee remains one of the country's most recognizable academic competitions, and Alaska has two students on the national stage this week.

Sources: Alaska's News Source, May 27, 2026; Scripps National Spelling Bee official site.