The annual Spelling Bee Explosion makes a big move to DPAC's big stage! Youths from South Bend-area middle schools compete for $2,500 in prizes and pride in the citywide academic event of the spring. The spelling bee, emceed by WNDU's Joshua Short, is designed to inspire a love for words, develop character, encourage lifelong learning, and celebrate academic achievement. Come to see community leaders as judges and cheer on the competitors while enjoying appearances by Roderick "Rhetorik" Parchman, Judah Explosion Dance Team, and Gentlemen & Scholars' Young Scholars. This event is from the hearts and minds behind the mentorship nonprofit Gentlemen & Scholars, Inc., the organization's scholarship awards to deserving South Bend students total over $25,000 since founding the event.