Quick, spell the word "Entrepreneur." Don't feel bad, I couldn't do it without spellcheck either.

But there are several elementary and middle school students throughout South Dakota who can easily spell that word, and much more difficult ones, and these students are going to get the chance to show off their mad spelling skills on Saturday (March 29) when they compete in the South Dakota State Spelling Bee in Mitchell.

Dakota News Now reports the 2025 state spelling bee is happening Saturday at Dakota Wesleyan University.

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30 elementary and middle school students from all over the state will be competing for a chance to advance to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington. Once there, they will be vying for the Scripps Cup during the 100th-anniversary year of America’s longest-running educational competition.

Tressa Wede, assistant professor of education at DWU, told Dakota News Now, "Spelling is more than just memorizing words. It is a key component of reading instruction that helps students decode words by applying spelling patterns and letter-sound correspondences. Through phonics, learners develop the ability to read and spell unfamiliar words, leading to greater reading fluency and comprehension.”

What's crazy is, many school districts no longer require spelling tests!

As a society, we've become way too reliant on our devices to do the thinking for us.

That's why those involved with state and national spelling bees are helping to champion the importance of keeping spelling tests as part of the curriculum in schools.

As Dakota News Now reports, school curriculums change; however, participation in regional spelling bees provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in public speaking, develop confidence, and inspire a love of learning and connection with their peers.

Students from schools in Sioux Falls, Brandon, Brookings, Garretson, and several other cities throughout the Sioux Empire and the entire state will be sending students to the state bee on Saturday.

Good luck to everyone participating.

Source: Dakota News Now