NASHVILLE, Tenn. —In 2016, the Tennessee Titans became the first professional sports organization to sponsor and host a regional spelling bee, originally signing a contract with Scripps National Spelling Bee to represent the 30 counties comprising middle Tennessee.
On March 11, 2017, the Titans hosted the 2nd annual regional spelling bee at Nissan Stadium, this year expanding their program to an additional 11 counties in west Tennessee.
At the event, 60 elementary and middle school students competed for the opportunity to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May.
Surviving 18 rounds, Sydney Aslan, an eighth grade student with the Williamson County Homeschool Group, took the crown after correctly spelling "legislation." Zoe Crutcher of West Junior High School (Fayette County) placed second and Willa Sands of Dan Mills Elementary (Davidson County) placed third.
Last year's winner, Abby Burton of Woodland Middle School (Williamson County), advanced to the third round of the national competition.
Students compete at this year's regional spelling bee March 11 at Nissan Stadium. The winner now advances to represent Middle Tennessee in the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. (Photos: Kayla Schoen)
