the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, the North Jersey Regional Spelling Bee returns for its 90th annual competition on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, at the Bergen Community College Moses Center in Paramus, NJ. This historic event has been a cherished tradition since 1935, bringing together the region’s top young spellers for a chance to shine on the national stage.
Event Details
đź“… Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2025
đź“Ť Location: Bergen Community College Moses Center, Paramus, NJ
⏰ Start Time: 6:00 p.m. (Check-in for contestants and parents: 5:30 p.m.)
đźš« Closed Event: The contest is not open to the public.
The Road to the Scripps National Spelling Bee
This year, 79 students from North Jersey schools will compete for the opportunity to advance to the 100th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
To qualify, participants must:
✔️ Be in grades 3 through 8
✔️ Have won their school’s spelling bee
Last year’s winner, Olivia Rhee from Lewis F. Cole Middle School in Fort Lee, secured her victory by correctly spelling natatorium. She went on to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, making it to the fourth round.
A Legacy of Champions
The North Jersey Regional Spelling Bee traces its roots back to 1935, when Margaret Karle Schak, a student from St. Mary’s in Rutherford, won the first-ever contest. Schak later became the first woman mayor of Rutherford—a testament to the impact of this competition beyond spelling.
This year, the regional champion will not only earn a spot at nationals but also receive a monetary prize, sponsored by LAN Associates, in Schak’s honor.
Proudly Hosted By
🏛 Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs
For nearly a century, the North Jersey Regional Spelling Bee has celebrated academic excellence, perseverance, and the power of words. Stay tuned for updates on this year’s champion and their journey to the Scripps National Spelling Bee!
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