MUNCIE – Top spellers from area schools are scheduled to compete in the Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee, set for 10 a.m. March 7, at Sursa Performance Hall, on the campus of Ball State University.

The Bee will be broadcast on Ball State PBS at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, and 8 p.m. Thursday, April 9.

Leo Furlong from Burris Laboratory Middle School in Muncie, was the champion of the 2025 Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee. Furlong’s winning word was “leviathan.” He was also the winner of the 2024 bee.

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 101st Scripps National Spelling Bee finals in May 2026.

For the official rules, click here. For the code of conduct, 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; Masters Insurance; Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities; Scott E. Trout, DDS; Muncie Optimist Club and Sam Pierce Chevrolet.