MARION COUNTY, FL (352today) – Twenty-two middle school students from across Marion County will compete in a battle of words on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, to become Marion County’s 2026 Spelling Bee champion.
Students from 11 Marion County middle schools are expected to participate, representing Belleview, Blessed Trinity, Dunnellon, Fort King, Fort McCoy, Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, Howard, Lake Weir, Liberty, North Marion, and Osceola.
The winner earns bragging rights and a cash prize provided by the Women’s Club of Ocala, the Bee’s longtime sponsor and part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
School spelling bee winners also participate in the qualifying rounds of the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the chance to compete this May in Washington, D.C.
This year’s competition is the 24th annual event in Marion County and will be recorded for later viewing on the district’s YouTube Channel (@MarionCountyK12). This delay maintains the integrity of the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s word list.
The event will be held at 6 p.m. in the Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium located at 1614 E. Fort King St., Ocala.
For more information, contact Spelling Bee Director Mark Ingram at 352.236.0519 or mark.ingram@marion.k12.fl.us. Additional information is available at spellingbee.com.