The 2026 Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council Regional Spelling Bee coordinated by Schuylkill Technology Center will be held at 9 a.m. March 7 at DHH Lengel Middle School, Pottsville.

It will include students representing Schuylkill County public and private schools.

School spelling bee coaches register for the Regional Bee in the fall and begin preparing students in grades four through eight for a local Spelling Bee held sometime before mid-February at their school.

The local winner, runner-up and an alternate then represent their school in the regional bee.

“Spelling is a fundamental skill that extends far beyond the classroom. It plays a critical role in effective communication, professionalism and success in the workplace, where accuracy and attention to detail are highly valued,” said Darlene J. Robbins, president of the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council. “It is an honor for the council to sponsor the 2026 Regional Spelling Bee and support students as they develop these essential skills.”

The 2026 regional winner will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., during the month of May. The winner will receive a trophy created and constructed by students enrolled in the precision machine trades program at Schuylkill Technology Center and a gift card provided by the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society.

Mary Ann Hodges, a retired speech therapist, will serve as the pronouncer for the 2026 regional event, while Cynthia Mensch of Alvernia University, Devina Singh, former National Spelling Bee competitor, Joshua Sophy of Coal Region Canary and Justin Reed of Skook News Media will serve as judges.

Ashley Hess of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 will serve as recordkeeper, with Cathy Bronakowski as appeals judge and Shannon Brennan of Schuylkill Technology Center as emcee. Dr. Rene Evans and Jaime Zimerofsky will serve as stage assistants.