BEDFORD — The 2026 WBIW Lawrence County Spelling Bee began Monday, Feb. 23, at 4:30 p.m. in the Schaffer Auditorium at Bedford Middle School, where nine students competed through four rounds to determine a Day 1 champion.
Ari Blanton, a fifth grader at Burris Elementary School, claimed the top spot after correctly spelling the word “quiver” to close out the competition. Her final word secured her place as the leading finisher from the opening round of this year’s countywide event.
Blanton spelling “quiver” to claim the title:
A spell-off was needed to decide second and third place, extending the bee an additional four rounds. Riley Johnson, a fifth grader from Lincoln Elementary School, earned second place after correctly spelling “screeching.” Callie Martin, a third grader from Shawswick, placed third after misspelling the word “puce.”
Blanton will return to the stage to compete against school champions from grades 6, 7, and 8 from across Lawrence County for the overall county title tonight, February 25, at 4:30 in the Schaffer Auditorium. If you are unable to attend this evening’s spelling bee, you can watch it live on Facebook or listen to the playback on WBIW 1340 A.M. at 6:00 p.m.
WBIW has served as the Lawrence County Spelling Bee coordinator for over fifty years and presents the annual spelling bee to bring together top spellers from schools throughout the county. Participants in Monday’s competition received t-shirts and certificates recognizing their advancement to the county level, and the top three finishers received trophies in addition to their t-shirts and certificates. The overall Spelling Bee Champion crowned tonight will receive additional prizes of a champion’s trophy, a pizza party for their home room, and $100 cash.
Jeff Wagoner, WBIW, WQRK, and WPHZ News Caster and host of Talk of the Town, moderated the event. Holly Davis, President and CEO of Ad-Venture Media Inc. and Mitchell Community Broadcasting Co., and Brandi Weyer, Director of Marketing for Ad-Venture Media Inc. and Mitchell Community Broadcasting Co. acted as judges for the Spelling Bee and will continue their roles tonight.
Watch last night’s full event by clicking this link.
The event was held for family members, educators, and community supporters and was also available via WBIW’s Facebook Live broadcast, with a replay airing at 6 p.m. on WBIW 1340 AM.
