Gallatin County Hosting County Spelling Bee on Feb. 25

On Saturday, Feb. 25, 64 students from area schools will gather at the Museum of the Rockies to compete in the annual Gallatin County Spelling Bee. Officiated by Gallatin County officials and Longfellow Elementary School Librarian, Kristin Hopkins as pronouncer, the bee features the top spellers in grades 4-8 from more than 40 public and private schools, and homeschool households in Gallatin County. 

The contest begins at 9 AM in the Hager Auditorium and the public is invited to attend. Admission to the museum that day is free for Montana residents as part of the first Museum of the Rockies Montana Day.

One of the oldest academic competitions in the area, the Gallatin County Spelling Bee is the semifinals for students hoping to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Four contestants at the county bee will advance to the Treasurer State Spelling Bee in March, and one winner of the state bee will compete for $50,000 and other prizes at the National Bee in Washington, D.C. 

The 2023 Gallatin County Spelling Bee is coordinated by Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools John Nielson with support from local businesses that include the Country Bookshelf, the Museum of the Rockies, Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, and others. 

For more information, contact the Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools Office at 406-582-3090 or superintendentofschools@gallatin.mt.gov.