Forge, GTP partner with Auburn-Washburn to save Shawnee County Spelling Bee

Following an unexpected cancellation of the 68th annual Shawnee County Spelling Bee, Forge Young Talent, the Greater Topeka Partnership and Auburn-Washburn USD 437 are excited to announce the competition will go on!

Through quick communication and action, the group worked to save the Shawnee County Spelling Bee so local kids who have studied hard to be there, would still have a chance to compete for a spot at the Sunflower State Spelling Bee slated for late March. The Shawnee County Spelling Bee will be held Saturday, March 5 at the Washburn Rural High School auditorium.

“We are so thrilled to partner with the Greater Topeka Partnership and Forge to host this year's Shawnee County Spelling Bee,” said Megan Hall, library media specialist at Jay Shideler Elementary. “Students from around the county have worked hard and earned this opportunity to represent their schools, and we are grateful to the dedicated educators and professionals who have agreed to volunteer in order to make this event a success.”

The spelling bee is being made possible with help from Forge volunteers, who are expected to serve as judges on the day of the event. Forge members will also help with set-up and take-down.

“Forge Young Talent is proud to partner with the Auburn-Washburn school district to ensure this year's county spelling bee goes on as planned,” said Rhett Flood, Forge executive director. “Our organization is committed to ensuring Topeka and Shawnee County can attract and develop the next generation of talent, and the students competing in this year’s spelling bee are some of the brightest future leaders in our community.”

Participants and their families have been notified the spelling bee will take place. It is scheduled to kick off at 9 a.m. on March 5.

“This is what I love about our city,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “When there is a challenge, we come together with new solutions. I am thrilled to see the 68th annual Shawnee County Spelling Bee continue. Congratulations to those students who have earned the opportunity to compete, and good luck!”