NPC Centennial Spelling Bee

Where icon WHERE:

Ballroom

Info icon MORE INFO:

Special Event

Lawmakers and journalists are getting ready to take the stage for that most American of showdowns: a spelling bee. And the public may not get another chance to see such a spectacle for a century.

One hundred years ago, the National Press Club organized a similar spelling bee, pitting members of Congress against Beltway reporters. In 1913, President Wilson attended, a member of his Cabinet moderated and an Ohio congressman won. Now the lawmakers have a chance to solidify their supreme spelling skills; the journalists have a shot at redemption.

On Sept. 18, 2013, the Press Club is reprising the "Best Speller in the United States" competition, to celebrate Washington, D.C., history, promote education and raise money for the club's non-profit Journalism Institute. Merriam-Webster will provide the words and the pronouncer. Washington satirist Mark Russell will make a special appearance. (And yes, tubers will likely get a mention early in the competition.)

Politician spellers include:

Rep. Matt Cartwright
Rep. Gerry Connolly
Sen. Chris Coons
Rep. Peter DeFazio
Rep. Ted Deutch
Rep. Anna Eshoo
Sen. Jeff Flake
Sen Tim Kaine
Sen. Christopher Murphy

Journalist spellers include:

Howard Fineman, Huffington Post
Ed Henry, Fox News
Major Garrett, CBS News
Kate Nocera, Buzzfeed
Rebecca Sinderbrand, Politico
Meredith Shiner, Roll Call
Ashley Southall, New York Times
Karen Tumulty, Washington Post
Toby Zakaria, Reuters

Additional spellers may be added.

This event will be open to the media. To RSVP and reserve space, email Katy Steinmetz (contact info below).