The 2024 Educator of the Year, presented by SugarBee® Apple, is Dr. Alexander Carr. A geometry teacher at Orlando Gifted Academy in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Carr goes above and beyond in his dedication to the spelling bee at his school, and he loves celebrating his students' success!

In 2018, Carr began teaching at the Orlando Gifted Academy and started the school’s first spelling bee program. As the bee’s coordinator, his goal was to make sure the program was inclusive of all students, regardless of their abilities or language barriers. This includes those with disabilities to whom he provides the necessary accommodations, such as microphones for the hearing impaired, for their success. “Just because you have certain limitations doesn’t mean you’re incapable of doing extraordinary things,” Carr says.

“We are inspired by the way Dr. Carr helps students feel included and sets them on a path to success,” says Corrie Loeffler, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

SugarBee® Apple proudly supports the Bee in its mission to illuminate pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrate academic achievement and enrich communities. “SugarBee Apple growers proudly support the Bee’s educators and their devotion to inspiring every child to discover their potential to innovate and create something magical,” says Julie DeJarnatt, director of brand strategy for SugarBee Apple.