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Regional Spelling Bee Crowns Champion, Celebrates SLU Student

04/03/2025

The School of Education at Saint Louis University recently hosted the 2025 St. Louis Regional Spelling Bee, marking the third consecutive year the university has welcomed talented young spellers from across the region to compete for a chance to advance to the national stage.

This year’s competition featured participation from over 230 schools in the St. Louis area, showcasing the growing enthusiasm and commitment to academic excellence in the region. After several rounds of intense spelling challenges, Khushbu Dahal, a student from the Academy of the Sacred Heart, emerged as the champion by successfully spelling the word “jongleur.”

As the regional winner, Dahal will proudly represent St. Louis at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., this May.

The event also celebrated the dedication of Gracie LaBlance, a student in the School of Education at Saint Louis University. LaBlance, who is set to graduate this year with a degree in elementary education, has volunteered for the St. Louis Regional Spelling Bee each year SLU has hosted the event. Her commitment exemplifies SLU’s Jesuit motto of being “men and women for others,” as she has continually served her community and inspired young learners through her volunteer work.

“We are incredibly proud of Gracie and all of the students who participated in this year’s spelling bee,” said Wilson, director of the SLU Spelling Bee. “Gracie’s dedication to this event over the past three years truly embodies the spirit of service and leadership that we aim to foster within students who attend Saint Louis University.”

“My third St. Louis Regional Spelling Bee is now in the books," LaBlance said. "I am grateful to have played a significant role again this year in planning and executing both the preliminary round and the official spelling bee alongside Ryan Wilson. I am always impressed by the incredible talent of our young spellers representing schools from across the St. Louis area. Congratulations to this year's winner, Khushbu! She will head to Washington, D.C., this spring to represent St. Louis at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee."

The School of Education is already looking forward to hosting the 2026 St. Louis Regional Spelling Bee and continuing its mission of promoting academic excellence and community engagement.