Spelling Bee on Saturday at NIC

The Inland Northwest Spelling Bee is set for 9 a.m. Saturday at North Idaho College's Schuler Auditorium.

Students from fourth to eighth grades will compete for a chance to move on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee and the ultimate $50,000 prize. Previously known as the North Idaho Spelling Bee, the event has expanded this year to include northeast Washington.

“This is a celebration of academic excellence and linguistic achievement,” said Dr. Michael Nelson, deputy superintendent of the Coeur d'Alene School District, who will be coordinating the spelling bee for his fourth year.

The winner of the Inland Northwest Spelling Bee will receive an all-expense-paid trip for them and one guardian or parent to the national event in Washington, D.C., in May.