The Scripps (Inter)National Spelling Bee

Wed, May 28, 2008 - 5:05 PM

Year after year, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is becoming more of an international event.

When Jody Anne-Maxwell from Jamaica became the first non-American winner in 1998, the bee's international flair was discussed at great length. However, the bee's international flair is apparent now more than ever.

In this year's contest, spellers hail from Jamaica, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, South Korea, Ghana, the Bahamas, and American territories Guam, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico. This year marks the first for spellers from South Korea, Germany, or Ghana.

In 2005, a New Zealand film crew followed their country's first-ever participant in the Bee. Even though she was eliminated fairly quickly, their documentary on the American spelling bee drummed up significant interest in New Zealand.

Though it could be considered a disadvantage for international spellers to participate in such an American event, there have been success stories. Canadians Finola Hackett and Nate Gartke were runners-up from 2006 and 2007, respectively, and as the bee continues to grow into an international event, it's likely more countries will only be involved in the future.

Should other countries be involved? Sound off in the comment box.
-Josh Dawsey