POTTSVILLE - Students from across Schuylkill County will gather in March to put their spelling skills to the test at the 2026 Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council Regional Spelling Bee, coordinated by Schuylkill Technology Center.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the auditorium of DHH Lengel Middle School, 1541 Laurel Boulevard, Pottsville.
The competition will feature students in grades four through eight representing both public school districts and non-public schools in Schuylkill County. Local spelling bees were held earlier this winter, with each district selecting a winner, runner-up, and alternate to compete at the regional level.
“Spelling is a fundamental skill that extends far beyond the classroom,” said Darlene J. Robbins, President of the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council. “It plays a critical role in effective communication, professionalism, and success in the workplace, where accuracy and attention to detail are highly valued. It is an honor for the Council to sponsor the 2026 Regional Spelling Bee and support students as they develop these essential skills.”
The stakes are high for participants. The regional champion will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. this May. The winner will also receive a custom-made trophy created by students in the Schuylkill Technology Center Precision Machine Trades Program, along with a $50 gift card from the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society.
The 2026 Spelling Bee will be guided by a team of experienced volunteers. Mary Ann Hodges, a retired speech therapist, will serve as pronouncer, while the judging panel will include Cynthia Mensch of Alvernia University, Devina Singh, a former National Spelling Bee competitor, Joshua Sophy of Coal Region Canary, and Justin Reed of Skook News Media. Ashley Hess of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 will serve as recordkeeper, Cathy Bronakowski as appeals judge, and Shannon Brennan of Schuylkill Technology Center as emcee. Stage assistance will be provided by Dr. Rene Evans and Jaime Zimerofsky.
This year also brings new involvement from local media. Skook News Media joins not only as a media partner but also as part of the judging panel. Editor Justin Reed emphasized the value of having community-based outlets engaged in the event.
“When local media plays an active role in events like the Regional Spelling Bee, it strengthens the connection between our schools, families, and the wider community,” Reed said. “It’s important for us to highlight these achievements and give students the recognition they deserve on a local stage.”
Event organizers emphasized the community effort behind the bee. “STC is delighted to be involved for the third year in continuing a long-standing tradition of facilitating a Regional Spelling Bee, which would not be possible without the generous sponsorship from the Northeast Manufacturers & Employers Council and our dedicated volunteers,” said Shannon Brennan, STC Director.
The competition will feature students in grades four through eight representing both public school districts and non-public schools in Schuylkill County. Local spelling bees were held earlier this winter, with each district selecting a winner, runner-up, and alternate to compete at the regional level.
“Spelling is a fundamental skill that extends far beyond the classroom,” said Darlene J. Robbins, President of the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council. “It plays a critical role in effective communication, professionalism, and success in the workplace, where accuracy and attention to detail are highly valued. It is an honor for the Council to sponsor the 2026 Regional Spelling Bee and support students as they develop these essential skills.”
The stakes are high for participants. The regional champion will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. this May. The winner will also receive a custom-made trophy created by students in the Schuylkill Technology Center Precision Machine Trades Program, along with a $50 gift card from the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society.
The 2026 Spelling Bee will be guided by a team of experienced volunteers. Mary Ann Hodges, a retired speech therapist, will serve as pronouncer, while the judging panel will include Cynthia Mensch of Alvernia University, Devina Singh, a former National Spelling Bee competitor, Joshua Sophy of Coal Region Canary, and Justin Reed of Skook News Media. Ashley Hess of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 will serve as recordkeeper, Cathy Bronakowski as appeals judge, and Shannon Brennan of Schuylkill Technology Center as emcee. Stage assistance will be provided by Dr. Rene Evans and Jaime Zimerofsky.
This year also brings new involvement from local media. Skook News Media joins not only as a media partner but also as part of the judging panel. Editor Justin Reed emphasized the value of having community-based outlets engaged in the event.
“When local media plays an active role in events like the Regional Spelling Bee, it strengthens the connection between our schools, families, and the wider community,” Reed said. “It’s important for us to highlight these achievements and give students the recognition they deserve on a local stage.”
Event organizers emphasized the community effort behind the bee. “STC is delighted to be involved for the third year in continuing a long-standing tradition of facilitating a Regional Spelling Bee, which would not be possible without the generous sponsorship from the Northeast Manufacturers & Employers Council and our dedicated volunteers,” said Shannon Brennan, STC Director.