MUNCIE – Top spellers from area schools are scheduled to compete in the Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee, set for 10 a.m. March 8, at Sursa Performance Hall, on the campus of Ball State University.

The Bee will be broadcast on Ball State PBS at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3, and 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5.

Leo Furlong,  a fifth grader from Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, was the champion of the 2024 Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee. Furlong’s winning word was “jalapeno.”

Those familiar with the bee know that the station usually has nearly 50 champion spellers competing on stage. Champion spellers from nearly 40 schools from Delaware, Blackford, Jay, Randolph, Madison, and Henry counties are expected to compete in the first round.

The winner of this final local bee will advance to compete in the 100^th Scripps National Spelling Bee finals in May 2025.

For the official rules, click here.

Support for the bee is provided by:

Family Vision Care is the presenting sponsor. Ball State University Teachers College is the school fees sponsor. Major support is provided by Avila Orthodontics; Leland C. Wilhoite, DDS, Navient Community Fund; Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities; Scott E. Trout, DDS; Muncie Optimist Club and Sam Pierce Chevrolet.