Beaverhead County Spelling Bee Set For February 10

DILLON, Mont. — The Beaverhead County 4-H Building will host the 2026 Beaverhead County Spelling Bee on Tuesday, February 10, at 1:30 p.m.

Elementary and middle school students from across Beaverhead County will compete for a chance to advance to the Treasure State Spelling Bee, scheduled for March 21 in Bozeman. Participants will include students from all county grade schools, Dillon Middle School, Lima schools, and local homeschool programs.

Beaverhead County Superintendent of Schools Mike Miller is serving as director for this year’s contest.

“The six rural schools, Lima’s Elementary School, the area homeschoolers, and the schools here in Dillon have all been invited to send spellers to challenge for a trip to Bozeman in March,” Miller said. “We may have as many as 30 area spellers entered in the contest this year, although some schools may choose not to take part.”

Trophies will be awarded to the top two spellers, with certificates presented to all participants at the conclusion of the event. Local financial institutions have also provided donations to help offset travel costs for students advancing to the state competition.

Four local judges — Jamie Flynn, Deborah McCabe, Kristi Borge, and Dr. Katrina Kennett — have volunteered their time for the event. Deb Sporich, known to many as “Debbie from The Bookstore,” will serve as the official pronouncer.

Parents, family members, and community supporters are invited to attend and cheer on the competitors.

Now in its 61st year, the Treasure State Spelling Bee follows the official rules and word lists of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Each county is guaranteed at least one participant at the state level, with larger counties eligible to send additional spellers. Approximately 60 students from across Montana are expected to compete this year at Montana State University, where the event will be held in the Strand Ballroom.

Only students from schools enrolled in the Scripps National Spelling Bee program are eligible to participate at the state level, though enrollment is not required to compete in the county bee.

Sponsored by the Montana Television Network, the Treasure State Spelling Bee determines Montana’s representatives to the national competition in Washington, D.C. Contestants and their families attending the state event will be provided a complimentary lunch and reception.