The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the United States’ longest-running and largest educational program, founded in 1925 by a consortium of nine newspapers, including The Courier Journal of Louisville, Kentucky. Originally conceived as a literacy initiative, the Bee has evolved into a celebrated American tradition, inspiring millions of students annually to participate in classroom, regional, and national spelling competitions. The Scripps Howard News Service took over sponsorship in 1941, renaming it the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2004, and has since expanded its reach and impact. The Bee’s mission is to promote literacy, academic achievement, and lifelong curiosity through the exploration of words. Each year, students from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and several international countries—including Canada, New Zealand, and Jamaica—compete for the national title. The competition’s rigorous format, judged by the Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, has seen word difficulty escalate over the decades, reflecting the increasing sophistication of contestants. In 2019, an unprecedented eight spellers were crowned co-champions after organizers exhausted their list of challenging words. The Bee’s championship rounds have been broadcast live on major networks, including ESPN and ABC, and in 2022, the finals moved to Scripps-owned television channels, showcasing the organization’s adaptability to changing media landscapes. The 2025 competition marked the Bee’s 100th anniversary, with 243 top spellers converging in National Harbor, Maryland, to celebrate a century of words and learning. Notable achievements include the Bee’s expansion to over 200 contestants by the late 20th century and the crowning of its first non-American winner, Jody-Anne Maxwell of Jamaica, in 1998. The Bee’s enduring legacy is a testament to its ability to inspire excellence, foster community, and adapt to technological and cultural shifts, making it a