School enrollment for 2025-2026 school year now open
As part of its commitment to celebrate learning and academic achievement in WNY, SUNY Fredonia, with the support of the Fredonia College Foundation, is proud to announce it is an official 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee regional partner to give local students and schools the opportunity to participate in America’s longest-running educational competition.
As the exclusive regional partner for western New York, SUNY Fredonia will sponsor the regional spelling bee competition held on campus on March 14, 2026. The regional champion will represent WNY in the national competition in May 2026, where they will have the opportunity to compete for the Scripps Cup in Washington, DC.
The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion was Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Dallas, Texas, who won the coveted title after coming in second place in the 2024 national competition. This year marks the inaugural year for SUNY Fredonia as an official Scripps National Spelling Bee regional partner.
We are excited to partner with Scripps, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, to celebrate student learning and academic achievement.” - Dr. Janeil Rey, Dean of the College of Education, Health Sciences, and Human Services
“SUNY Fredonia is approaching 200 years of preparing teachers for our state and nation. We are excited to partner with Scripps, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, to celebrate student learning and academic achievement.” said Dr. Janeil Rey, Dean of the College of Education, Health Sciences, and Human Services for SUNY Fredonia. “This opportunity extends our commitment to the K-8 students and schools in our region and offers a chance to come together to celebrate perseverance, commitment, and love of language. We look forward to partnering with schools across WNY who host local bees to inspire and challenge their students.”
By inspiring the exploration of words, the Scripps National Spelling Bee illuminates pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement and enriches communities. Each year, the Bee reaches millions of students across the country and around the world with the classroom materials it provides schools enrolled in the yearlong program.
Participation in regional bees 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 in western New York are eligible to enroll in the 2025-2026 program now through Jan. 30. Educators can visit SpellingBee.com/enroll to learn more and enroll their schools in the program.
About the Scripps National Spelling Bee:
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program, having launched in 1925. By inspiring the exploration of words, the Bee illuminates pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement and enriches communities. Visit spellingbee.com for more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps Company.
