1. Drake alum and Head Judge of the Scripps National Spelling Bee reflects on a century of the cherished American event and her longtime role in the competition.

Brooks first caught the Bee “bug” after graduating from high school, when her uncle—the Editorial Promotions Director for what was then Howard Scripps News—encouraged her to volunteer at the event, knowing she aspired to become a teacher. Energized by the bright minds of the young spellers, Brooks continued working with the Bee’s college crew while studying speech communications at Drake’s School of Education.

“I did my student teaching at Hoover, and yet, my first job was at Hoyt Middle School with sixth through ninth graders,” said Brooks. ”I’m still working with mostly eighth graders, so the Bee just gives me the opportunity to still use my teacher skills.”

Those early classroom experiences not only shaped Brooks’ decades-long teaching career but also influenced her continued work with the Bee. After college, she steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming head judge in 2004.

While her role is grounded in objectivity, Brooks brings compassion and connection to the competition, offering words of encouragement after the sting of a misspelled word—exchanges now warmly known as “Mary’s Moments.”

“They know that I’m there to give them the best opportunity to spell the word correctly,” she said. “We’re not their enemy, it’s the dictionary.”

Having recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in May, the Scripps National Spelling Bee continues to showcase some of the best and brightest young spellers—a quality Brooks says captivates audiences year after year and will continue to do so for the century ahead. “When you’re watching the Scripps National Spelling Bee, there is this feeling that the world is in good hands.”

Looking ahead to the Bee’s next century, the hive continues to flourish thanks to the dedication and compassion of Mary Brooks, the Queen Bee of Scripps.

Brooks embraces the nickname with bee paraphernalia like her buzzworthy necklace and ring.