PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD RADIO) – Local students will once again have the opportunity to compete for a spot at the Scripps National Spelling Bee thanks to a new partnership announced by Peoria Public Library.
Peoria Public Library announced Tuesday it has become an official 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee regional sponsor for Central Illinois, marking the library’s inaugural year in this role.
The partnership covers 8 counties and 300 eligible schools, with the City of Peoria, Peoria County, and Peoria Public Schools District 150 serving as key partners.
“We are extremely proud to step into this role, one that has been vacant for several years,” said Peoria Public Library Executive Director Randall Yelverton. “The Scripps National Spelling Bee ignites a love for learning through its unique experiences and opportunities, celebrates and builds confidence in those who are intellectually curious, and fosters an inclusive and diverse community. So do we. So, of course, as aligned as we are, it makes perfect sense for us to step into this role.”
Peoria Public Library will host a Regional Spelling Bee in March, with the winner from the 8-county area advancing to the national competition in Washington, D.C. in May, where they will have the opportunity to compete for the Scripps Cup.
“This is an exciting opportunity,” Yelverton added. “We haven’t been able to send a contender to D.C. for several years, but now we will. We also have some ideas to make their experience and send-off memorable. We’ll be reaching out to our community for some help with that.”
Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat called the partnership “thrilling.”
“Opportunities like this not only strengthen academic skills, but also inspire confidence, perseverance, and a lifelong love of learning. It’s yet another chance for our kids to shine on a national stage and for all of us to rally behind their hard work and dedication.”
Schools, including homeschoolers, in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton, Marshall, Mason, Putnam, and Stark counties have until January 31 to enroll at spellingbee.com.
The Regional Bee will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Gateway Building on Peoria’s Riverfront.
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