As we mark a century of spelling excellence, we honor this year's Regional Partner of the Year, the Akron Beacon Journal, which has remained a steadfast regional partner since the inception of the National Spelling Bee in 1925.

“The Akron Beacon Journal was one of only nine newspapers that joined together to host the very first Bee in 1925,” said Corrie Loeffler, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. “Thanks, in part, to the Journal’s unwavering support, millions of students have been able to compete at all levels of the spelling bee program today.”

As the longest-running participating regional partner, the Akron Beacon Journal has a proud history that includes several Bee champions: Dean Lucas, 13 (1927); Alma Roach, 12 (1933); Clara Mohler, 13 (1935); Jean Chappelear, 14 (1948); and William Kerek, 12 (1964). 

For 100 years, the Akron Beacon Journal has been dedicated to fostering connections between local schools and families with their community. Leading these efforts today is Laura Kessel, who serves as the Akron and Canton spelling bees coordinator. 

In more than 10 years of working with regional spelling bees, Kessel has seen the format of the competition evolve, but the essence remains the same. “This is an opportunity for children to showcase their intellectual talents,” Kessel said.