CINCINNATI, Dec. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Scripps National
Spelling Bee is launching RSVBee, an invitational program creating
more opportunities for champion spellers to compete in the National
Finals in Oxon Hill, Maryland,
next year.
With RSVBee, parents can apply on behalf of their children for
the opportunity to share the same National Finals experience as
spellers who advance after winning a sponsor's local spelling bee.
To be eligible for the new program, spellers must attend a school
officially enrolled in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and be a
current school spelling bee champion and/or former participant in
the National Finals.
"We continue to explore ways to evolve our program to create
even more opportunities for children," said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Scripps
National Spelling Bee. "Participation in the National Finals is a
life-changing experience for children. RSVBee levels the playing
field for children participating in some of the larger or more
competitive local bee programs. It also provides a
straight-to-the-National Finals pathway for children who have
previously been declared champions of their local bee
programs."
The Scripps National Spelling Bee will approve up to 225 RSVBee
applicants for invitations. If 225 or fewer apply for RSVBee, all
eligible applicants will receive invitations. If there are more
than 225 RSVBee applications, a point system will determine which
applicants receive invitations. Spellers with previous experience
in the National Finals will receive more points, as well as older
students because they are closer to reaching the age eligibility
limit.
Applicants with the most points will receive invitations, up to
the 225 limit. In the event of more than 225 applicants and a tie
score for some, the Scripps National Spelling Bee will send
invitations to those who applied earliest in the process. Applying
early gives an advantage over those who wait.
Local bee sponsors that coordinate a regional bee event —
businesses, universities, community organizations and local media —
remain valued partners in continuing those strong community
traditions. Since the first national spelling bee in 1925, where
nine students competed, local bee sponsors have paved the way for
students to advance to the National Finals. RSVBee will augment the
opportunity for children to participate by creating a parallel path
for entry into the National Finals.
This video offers a quick explanation of RSVBee, and this FAQ
offers answers to many likely questions. Parents of students can
apply online at spellingbee.com/rsvbee between now and March 23, 2018. Once up to 225 invitations go
out, spellers and their families will have one week to confirm
their acceptance and pay the $750
participation fee. Applying does not exclude spellers from
participating in any classroom, school, district, local or regional
bee events. RSVBee applicants who earn spots in the National Finals
by winning their regional spelling bee may withdraw their
application by contacting the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
About the Scripps National Spelling Bee:
The Scripps
National Spelling Bee is the nation's largest and longest-running
educational program. The purpose of the Scripps National Spelling
Bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their
vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that
will help them all of their lives. Visit spellingbee.com for more
information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is
administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps
Company.
About Scripps:
The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE:
SSP) serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of
television, radio and digital media brands. With 33 television
stations, Scripps is one of the nation's largest independent TV
station owners. Scripps runs an expanding collection of local and
national digital journalism and content businesses,
including Newsy, the next-generation national news network;
podcast industry leader Midroll Media; and fast-growing
national broadcast networks Bounce, Grit, Escape
and Laff. Scripps produces original programming including
"Pickler & Ben," runs an award-winning investigative reporting
newsroom in Washington, D.C., and
is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, "Give
light and the people will find their own way."
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SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company