March 20, 2026
Student crowned champion will move on to Scripps National Spelling Bee
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas TV) — Arkansas TV will air the 2026 Arkansas State Spelling Bee Thursday, April 2, at 7 p.m. on the statewide network and arkansastv.gov/live. Filmed March 7 at the Arkansas 4-H Vines Centers in Little Rock; 56 students competed to be the Arkansas Spelling Bee champion.
More than 85,000 students from 430 schools participated leading up to the finals, and the champion will represent The Natural State in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May. The 2026 Arkansas State Spelling Bee is sponsored by the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.
To play alongside contestants during the broadcast, visit aecc.com/community/assb/.
By exploring the curiosity of words, The Scripps National Spelling Bee illuminates pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement and enriches communities.
About Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides services to the distribution cooperatives; and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC), a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to more than 1 million members, or customers, in Arkansas and surrounding states.
About Arkansas TV
Arkansas TV, Arkansas’s only statewide public television network, informs and inspires learners of all ages through local storytelling, educational resources and meaningful community partnerships. Local programs can be livestreamed at arkansastv.gov/live and accessed on-demand at youtube.com/@arkansastv, and the distinct channels Arkansas TV and AIRS on SAP. Arkansas TV depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering locally produced, Arkansas-focused programming. Additional information is available at arkansastv.gov. Arkansas TV is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Russellville), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Yancy) and KETS (Gaither).
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