Bulgarian National English Spelling Bee

The active Spelling Bee season started with the school-level competitions which took place between February 10 and February 16, 2025. The kick-off event was held on February 8th at Prof. Asen Zlatarov Math & Science High School in Botevgrad. The well-prepared participants and celebratory atmosphere transformed the launch into a vibrant tribute to the English language. During the competition week, CORPluS staff visited participating schools across the country, including Sofia, Pirdop, Kazanlak, Haskovo, Dalgo Pole, and Blagoevgrad. All participants received certificates and small prizes in recognition of their dedication, while winners were awarded medals. Competition packages were delivered free of charge by our logistics partner, DHL.

This year marks a significant milestone: the 15th anniversaries of both the Bulgarian Creative Writing Competition and the Bulgarian National English Spelling Competition. In celebration of these achievements, CORPluS introduced a new campaign—BEE Creative. This initiative encouraged students to express their creativity through a variety of formats, including designing a “creative bee,” constructing model beehives, writing rhymes and skits centered around teamwork and spelling, and more. The activities were designed to inspire collaboration, critical thinking, and creative expression in a supportive and engaging environment. Participants were invited to submit their projects in the form of videos, photos, stories, drawings, or other creative works.

The top two students from each school in both competitions advanced to the online regional qualification stage. School coordinators received additional study materials—200 new words for Spelling Bee and 150 for Spelling Bee JUNIOR participants. A total of 37 online qualification rounds were held from March 10 to March 13, determining the top 300 Spelling Bee and 210 Spelling Bee JUNIOR students eligible for the regional competitions.

Regional competitions were held on March 22 across 10 host schools located in Sofia (3), Plovdiv (2), Sliven, Varna, Shumen, Veliko Tarnovo, and Blagoevgrad, covering 17 regional events. CORPluS Foundation recruited and trained volunteers to assist with event coordination. All announcers were native English speakers, including Fulbright English Teaching Assistants with prior experience in Bulgarian schools, significantly contributing to the quality and authenticity of the events. Former Spelling Bee finalists also served as judges, reinforcing the value of alumni engagement within the Spelling Bee community. Participants in the regional rounds received certificates and prizes, and the top three spellers from each competition qualified for the national finals.

Finalists in both categories were provided with an additional list of 100 words in preparation for the national finals, which took place on April 12 and 13 at the American College of Sofia.

On April 12, 30 national Spelling Bee finalists competed in front of teachers, parents, and official guests in the college’s main hall. Their composure and mastery of English vocabulary earned widespread admiration. Adriana, a 7th-grade student from Sofia, emerged as the 15th National Spelling Bee Champion. All finalists and their teachers received certificates, trophies, and gifts. A highlight of the award is the opportunity to attend the Spelling Bee summer camp in July—a week-long educational and recreational experience.

The Spelling Bee JUNIOR final was held on April 13, showcasing the top 21 young spellers from around the country. Their concentration and language proficiency were exemplary. Vladimir  from Stara Zagora was named the national champion for Spelling Bee JUNIOR. All participants and their teachers were recognized with certificates, trophies, and gifts for their commitment and achievements.