The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) is excited to announce the broadcast of the 44th Annual Washington Informer Citywide Spelling Bee. This annual celebration of academic excellence highlights the remarkable young scholars representing schools across all eight wards of the District. The program will premiere on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET on the District of Columbia Network (DCN Channel 16), with streaming available beginning Wednesday, April 15, 2026, on District of Columbia Entertainment (DCE).
This long‑standing academic tradition is rooted in enduring community collaboration. “Each year, we look forward to partnering with The Washington Informer, Washington Informer Charities, and DC Public Schools to uplift our students and celebrate their academic achievements,” said LaToya Foster, OCTFME Director. “Under Mayor Bowser’s leadership, the District continues to make sustainable investments to strengthen public education and expand opportunity for students, including more than $3.6 billion to modernize schools across the city.”
This year’s competition, held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at OCTFME Studios, brought together top spellers from public, public charter, private, parochial, and home schools throughout Washington, DC. Students advanced through school-level and cluster bees before taking the stage citywide to demonstrate exceptional focus, skill, and mastery of language.
The Citywide Spelling Bee showcases the talent, discipline, and determination of students across every part of the District. “Participating in the Washington Informer Spelling Bee is a time‑honored tradition for DC Public Schools students,” said DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “From breaking down syntax and sounding out words to studying language origins and pronunciation, our students, educators, and families worked tirelessly to prepare for the competition. That preparation showed, and DCPS’ 25 scholars represented our district with pride and excellence.”
Judges for the 2026 competition included:
1. Jason Moore, MA – Literacy and Humanities Assessments & Interventions
2. Nijma Esad, MA, MLIS – Library Programs
3. Jackie Flot – Director, Learning Management Systems and Strategy
4. Elizabeth V. Primas, Ed.D – Education Program Manager
“Washington Informer Charities proudly continues the legacy of the late Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, whose vision launched the Washington Informer Citywide Spelling Bee 44 years ago,” said Denise Rolark Barnes, Publisher and CEO of The Washington Informer. “This event not only celebrates academic excellence but also encourages students to push themselves and shine. We value our continued partnership with OCTFME, whose support brings this important tradition to audiences across the District.”
Open to District students in Grades 3-8, the 2026 Spelling Bee featured participants from 81 DC schools. The 2026 champion will go on to represent the District in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, taking place May 26–28, 2026. For schedule details beginning May 1, visit spellingbee.com.
Click HERE for the Spelling Bee promo. Click HERE for photos. Click HERE for the Washington Informer Spelling Bee Supplement.