The 2026 Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council Regional Spelling Bee coordinated by Schuylkill Technology Center will be held at 9 a.m. March 7 the DHH Lengel Middle School auditorium, 1541 Laurel Blvd., Pottsville.

It will include 37 spellers representing the 12 Schuylkill County public school districts and the nonpublic institutions.

Mary Ann Hedges will be the pronouncer, and judges will include Cynthia Mensch of Alvernia University; Devina Singh, former National Spelling Bee competitor; Joshua Sophy of Coal Region Canary; and Justin Reed of Skook News.

Ashley Hess of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 will be record keeper; Cathy Bronakowski will be appeals judge; and Shannon Brennan of Schuylkill Technology Center will be the master of ceremonies.

Dr. Rene Evans and Jaime Zimerofsky, both of IU 29, will provide stage assistance.

“The Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council, which operates the Your Employability Skills Program, has demonstrated a solid commitment to the youth of this community, and sponsoring the bee aligned with that mission,” said Courtney L. Fasnacht, the council’s executive director.

The winner will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., during the month of May. The local winner will also receive prizes, including a trophy created and constructed by Nathan Elo, a senior from the Blue Mountain School District enrolled in the Precision Machine Trades Program at Schuylkill Technology Center.

The runner up will also receive prizes.