The Scripps National Spelling Bee recently announced the host for their 2022 event, revealing that LeVar Burton of Roots and Reading Rainbow fame will perform the honor for the spelling bee’s semifinals and finals competitions.
Burton, who was once a contender to host Jeopardy!, showed gratitude for the upcoming hosting gig in a statement, saying, “Hosting the Scripps National Spelling Bee will be an honor. Like a lot of folks, I look forward to the competition every year and am excited to be a part of this wonderful tradition that celebrates excellence.”
I’m thrilled! #bydhttmwfi https://t.co/0mzLeU11XY
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) December 16, 2021
Since 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has given students across the nation a chance to put their vocabulary skills to the ultimate test. Next year’s competition will serve as the 94th for the organization.
The spelling bee will be televised on the ION and Bounce networks, with semifinals taking place on June 1, 2022, and finals on the following day. It will also be available for streaming.
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Dr. J. Michael Durnil, who serves as executive director of the acclaimed spelling bee competition, said about choosing Burton to host their next event, “The selection of Mr. Burton as host aligns with the mission of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. To have such a prominent advocate for children’s literacy involved in this special and unique competition is a perfect match. We have the same goals: to educate tomorrow’s leaders and build reading competency in all young people.”
Gearing up for a busy 2022, Burton will reportedly act as grand marshal of the Rose Bowl Parade, taking place on New Year’s Day. According to NPR, the Star Trek: The Next Generation star is also expected to host a new show related to the Trivial Pursuit board game.
Burton will also be an executive producer on the show, though no word yet on a premiere.
