Young people from across the region tested their spelling skills at The Lima News’ 2026 Regional Spelling Bee. Students ranging from fourth through eighth grade traveled from Allen County and several surrounding counties to compete for the title of top speller.
A Shawnee 8th grader is heading back to Washington, D.C., for her second straight trip to the national spelling bee. Ope Balogun was presented with a plaque today by Lima City Councilman Derry Glenn for her accomplishment of winning the Lima News spelling bee for the second year in a row. Ope and her family will be flying to Washington, D.C., on Sunday, May 26th, for a week's stay in the nation's capital for the National Spelling Bee.
One local girl just made the tremendous accomplishment of winning an all expenses-paid trip to the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee this summer!
