UK College of Education’s Big Blue Bee offers path to national competition
Students across Central Kentucky can compete for a coveted spot in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee through the University of Kentucky College of Education’s regional Big Blue Bee.
Schools from 42 Central Kentucky counties — including private, cooperative and home schools — are invited to send their top spellers to participate in UK’s Big Blue Bee, a regional qualifying event for the national bee. The competition is open to students in grades one through eight, and offers the opportunity to earn a spot on the national stage in Washington, D.C.
“As a college dedicated to preparing the next generation of educators, the regional spelling bee offers a meaningful way to shine a light on the joy of learning,” said Nicholas J. Pace, Ed.D., dean of the UK College of Education. “It’s inspiring to see students challenge themselves and grow their love of literacy and language through this experience.”
To participate in the Big Blue Bee, schools must register through the Scripps educator portal and host their school’s bee by Jan. 15, 2026. The Scripps enrollment fee is $199 per school.
The UK College of Education Big Blue Bee will take place 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Gatton Student Center. The UK College of Education will sponsor the Big Blue Bee winner’s trip to compete for the Scripps Cup in Washington.
“Last year, we were delighted to send our regional Big Blue Bee winner, eighth grader Josephine Frimpong, to the 100th anniversary Scripps National Spelling Bee in D.C.,” said Mariama Lockington, research administrative coordinator for the UK College of Education. “While Josephine did not make it past the preliminaries, the fact that she was one of 200+ students who got to compete nationally out of thousands worldwide is hugely impressive. We’re so proud of Josephine and all her hard work and we can’t wait to see who wins this year’s Big Blue Bee.”
For more information about the UK College of Education Big Blue Bee, contact Lockington at Mariama.lockington@uky.edu.
Schools in the following counties are eligible to participate in the Central Kentucky region:
- Adair
- Anderson
- Bath
- Bell
- Bourbon
- Boyle
- Breathitt
- Casey
- Clark
- Clay
- Estill
- Fayette
- Fleming
- Franklin
- Garrard
- Harrison
- Jackson
- Jessamine
- Knott
- Knox
- Laurel
- Lee
- Lincoln
- McCreary
- Madison
- Menifee
- Mercer
- Montgomery
- Morgan
- Nicholas
- Owsley
- Perry
- Powell
- Pulaski
- Rockcastle
- Rowan
- Russell
- Scott
- Wayne
- Whitley
- Wolfe
- Woodford