44th Annual Regional Spelling Bee

Hosted by the Regional Office of Education #8 in partnership with the Scripps National Spelling Bee

• Date: February 10, 2026

• Time: 7:00 PM

• Location: Highland Community College, Student Conference Center, Room H201

• Snow Date: February 17, 2026

Get Ready for the 44th Annual ROE#8 Regional Spelling Bee!

Each year, top spellers from public and private schools across Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties compete for the chance to represent our region on the national stage in Washington, D.C.

The Regional Spelling Bee is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for students to develop essential skills, showcase their talents, and participate in a time-honored tradition of academic excellence.

Join us as we cheer on our next generation of wordsmiths! 

For more information, contact Laura Heath at (815) 599-1408. Let’s make this year’s event unforgettable!

Support the 44th Annual Regional Spelling Bee

Your sponsorship helps celebrate academic excellence and supports our regional champion’s journey to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
Your contribution ensures the continued success of this exciting and enriching event for students across our region!

Sponsorship Tiers

Champion Sponsor ($250+):

• Recognition in the event program and local media.
• Your company logo featured on participant shirts.
• A half-page ad in the event program.
• Social media mentions from the Regional Office of Education #8.
• A signed thank-you note from our participants and organizers.

Wordsmith Sponsor ($100-$249):

• Recognition in the event program and local media.
• A quarter-page ad in the event program.
• A signed thank-you note from our participants and organizers.

Bee Supporter ($50-$99):

• Recognition in the event program and local media.
• A signed thank-you note from our participants and organizers.

We’ve made it easy! Click here to download and print the official donation letter with instructions for mailing in a check or making a cash contribution.

Every donation makes a difference in creating a heartwarming and unforgettable experience for our students. Thank you for your generosity!

Thank You to Our Regional Spelling Bee Champion Sponsors

The Regional Office of Education #8 extends our sincere appreciation to this year’s Champion Sponsors, whose generous contributions of $250 or more provide significant support for our Regional Spelling Bee.

Their generosity helps ensure students have the opportunity to participate in a high-quality academic event that celebrates learning, confidence, and achievement.

We proudly recognize:

• Rotary Club of Galena
• Rick Weis & Norma Weis

Thank you for your leadership, generosity, and continued commitment to supporting education in our communities.

Thank You to Our Regional Spelling Bee Wordsmith Sponsors

The Regional Office of Education #8 is proud to recognize and thank our Wordsmith Sponsors, whose generous donations of $100–$249 helped make this year’s Regional Spelling Bee possible.

These businesses, organizations, and individuals play an important role in supporting our students and celebrating academic excellence across our region.

We gratefully acknowledge:

• Stephenson County Retired Teachers Association
• Adkins Energy LLC
• Apple River State Bank / First Community Bank of Galena
• HB Wilkinson Title Company, Inc.
• Clear Mind, Open Heart PLLC – Stephanie Cocagne
• Country Financial – Stacey Block
• Terry Charles & Christine Charles
• J.H. Barkau & Sons, Inc.
• Lena Lions Club
• JCE Co-op
• Karen Niemeier
• Pearl City Elevator, Inc.
• Winter Construction
• Stephenson Service Company

Thank you for your continued commitment to education and for helping create a memorable experience for our students.

Thank You to Our Regional Spelling Bee Bee Supporter Sponsors

The Regional Office of Education #8 would like to extend our sincere thanks to this year’s Bee Supporter Sponsors — businesses and community members who generously contributed under $99 to support our Regional Spelling Bee.

Your support helps us provide a meaningful and engaging experience for students while celebrating academic achievement and confidence.

We gratefully recognize:

• Citizens State Bank - Lena
• Dash's Modern Pumping Services
• Brian Greene & Nicole Bauer-Greene
• Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance
• Tri-State Porta Potty, Inc.
• Safe Haven Humane Society
• Warren Township Public Library
• Rhonda Becker

Thank you for investing in our students and helping make this event possible. We truly appreciate our community partners!