Forty students spanning grades 5 through 8 from schools across Central Minnesota competed for the opportunity to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

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Hosted by Resource Training & Solutions, the Central Minnesota Regional Spelling Bee unfolded at the Ritsche Auditorium within Stewart Hall, on the campus of St. Cloud State University, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. New this year, thanks to the collaborative effort of the nine Minnesota Service Cooperatives, the top speller from each region will progress to the grand stage of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

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Following 11 intense rounds featuring a staggering array of 156 words, Leyla Jacobson, a 7th grader from St. Cloud Area Schools, emerged victorious as the champion of the Central Minnesota Regional Spelling Bee. Zackary Heinen, a 7th grader from Eden Valley-Watkins School District, took second place, and Eli Wood, a 7th grader from Sartell-St. Stephen School District, claimed third place. Leyla now prepares to represent Central Minnesota at the National Spelling Bee, which will take place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The preliminary rounds are scheduled to commence on Tuesday, May 28, culminating with the Finals on Thursday, May 30.

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If you would like to follow along, visit spellingbee.com beginning May 1, 2024, to review the broadcast schedule and see where you can tune in live to watch the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee National Finals.

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As the curtains draw on this year's regional competition, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants who graced the stage, applauding them for their dedication and success throughout the season.

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View photos and the program from Central Minnesota Regional Spelling Bee >>

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For More Information:

Please contact Kelsey Harps, Education Manager at kharps@resourcecoop-mn.gov.