‘It’s the fun that matters:’ Young spellers brave the stage for N.S. spelling bee

Jacqueline Herriott, the Director of programs, projects, operations and services for the Black Educators Association is pictured on stage speaking at a lectern during the 20th annual REP Provincial Spelling Bee on May 9, 2026. (Vanessa Wright, CTV Atlantic)

More than 100 students from across Nova Scotia braved the stage for 2026 provincial spelling bee, hosted by the Black Educators Association, Saturday.

The community-led competition held inside Mount Saint University Saturday, saw contestants aged eight to 15 put their skills to the test.

It marked the 20th anniversary of the event.

“It’s unbelievable that its been 20 years,” says Jacqueline Herriott, the Director of programs, projects, operations and services for the Black Educators Association. “I never imagined that we’d have over two-thousand students throughout the years,”

13-year-old Josephine Abbas says she’s excited to take part in this year’s event.

“I’m kind of nervous but I’m also really confident.” Abbas said. “I’ve been practicing for a long time now, but I think I can do it. Even if I don’t come first place, it’s the fun that matters.

11-year-old Tireni Akinmejiaa is returning to the competition, after coming in second place last year.

“I’m feeling good,” Akinmejiaa said. “I’ve been practicing with my sister and parents…I just like going off and on stage and spelling the words. That’s the most fun part to me.”

Herriott says many of contestants in past years have gone on to obtain college and university degrees and many have decided to come back to the competition as judges and officials.

“It’s showing that we have recruitment and retention,” Herriott said. “We’ve recruited them through the years and we’re retaining and now they’re managing the entire process.”

She says the students are in front of audiences often as large as 200 people so it offers them an opportunity to enhance their social skills.

“It just gives them the confidence to speak in public and not be afraid. And that’s the idea, to take the skills back to their home school.”

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