In a hall filled with bright lights and quiet tension, young spellers from across Canada gathered in Ottawa in July to participate in the 2025 Canada National Super Spelling Bee finals. The annual event, aimed at students aged 5 to 14, draws contestants from every corner of the country through a series of school and regional qualifiers, culminating in one high-stakes showdown in the nation’s capital.
For those watching from the audience, the Bee was about more than just spelling difficult words—it was a show of focus, composure, and the kind of determination that doesn’t always show up on school report cards.
“What sets the Canada Super Spelling Bee apart is how it empowers students not only to master language, but to grow in confidence, focus, and poise under pressure. Beyond academics, this experience teaches kids how to speak with clarity, think critically on their feet, and support one another in healthy competition. We saw that spirit come alive in Ottawa this year, from the intense championship rounds to the cheers from families and peers in the audience. The Bee builds more than strong spellers, it builds leaders.”
Ottawa served as a fitting host city for the national final—not only as Canada’s capital, but as a growing hub for youth-focused educational events. Local families, educators, and sponsors turned out in force, giving the finals a distinctly community-driven feel.
ABOVE: Melody Chen from Richmond Hill, Ontario, took the top prize at the 2025 Canada National Super Spelling Bee.
The competition itself was tight, featuring some tough words in the English language. But it was 14-year-old Melody Chen from Richmond Hill, Ontario, who came out on top. Her delivery of the winning word, “criterion,” was clear and confident—and the crowd erupted in applause.
“I was completely relaxed up until the final seven championship rounds when the pressure really started to build. It all came down to the last word, and I just had to block everything out and focus. When I finally spelled it correctly and heard I’d won, I felt a huge wave of pride and appreciation for the effort I put in. This win means a lot to me, not just because it’s my first national title, but because it reminded me that pressure doesn’t have to be intimidating; it can be the push that helps you bring out your best.”
This year’s Bee saw record participation across regions, and its impact went beyond the spotlight. According to the event’s official impact report, children who take part in the Bee demonstrate improved language skills, greater confidence in public speaking, and deeper engagement in classroom discussions.
The Canada Super Spelling Bee is made possible by support from a long list of national and local sponsors. Pizza Hut took the top spot as Gold Sponsor, while Aqua-Tots Swim Schools (Kanata and Orleans) came in as Silver. Bronze-level supporters included Ottawa small businesses like Joy’s Custom Lollipops and Witty Signs & Graphics Inc., alongside contributors from cities across the country.
Sponsors don’t just write cheques—they also offer mentorship, materials, and community engagement. Their involvement helps cover travel costs for finalists, fund workshops, and bring regional events to communities where resources may be limited.
“Supporting youth education through initiatives like the National Super Spelling Bee aligns with Aqua-Tots Swim School’s commitment to helping children grow in confidence, focus, and discipline—both in and out of the water. Encouraging academic achievement reflects our belief that every child deserves the tools to succeed in all areas of life.”
Looking ahead, the Bee’s organizers are working on new ways to widen participation. Plans for 2026 include expanded regional qualifiers, more school participation, and efforts to heighten community engagement. There’s also interest in developing digital tools for kids in remote areas, making the Bee more accessible nationwide.
For Ottawa Life Magazine readers, the event stands out not just because of the scale, but because of what it represents: a community effort to invest in children, literacy, and learning. And for the young spellers who made it this far, the Bee was more than just a competition—it was a chance to grow.
“The Canada Super Spelling Bee is a celebration of literacy, but it’s also a celebration of opportunity. As a result of this super community, we are grateful to be able to receive letters of support from leaders like the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, and the Honourable Yasir Naqvi, MP. We’re also especially excited to welcome the St. John’s Elks Club as a key regional partner, and we thank CBC Sports YouTube Live and Protocol Sports Marketing for helping us share this journey with Canadians coast to coast. As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to making the Bee more inclusive, more impactful, and more inspiring for every young learner across the country. We are excited for Canada to continue following the journey of our super spellers at www.canadaspellingbee.com.”
