MITCHELL, S.D. – Twenty-five elementary and middle school students from around South Dakota qualified to compete Feb. 7 in the South Dakota State Spelling Bee, with the winner advancing to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington in May.

For the second year, South Dakota News Watch and Dakota Wesleyan University are sponsoring the state bee at DWU in Mitchell.

“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, director of marketing and communications at DWU.

Each year, the bee reaches millions of students across the country and around the world with the classroom materials it provides to schools enrolled in the yearlong program. Participation in regional competitions like South Dakota’s state bee also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in public speaking, develop confidence and inspire a love of learning and connection with their peers.

Schools that qualified a winner for the state competition and the chance to represent South Dakota at the national bee:

  • 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