KU News Release

KU freshman to work as crew member at national spelling bee

Scott Toland

LAWRENCE — A University of Kansas freshman is headed to Washington, D.C., to attend the Scripps National Spelling Bee, this time as a crew member instead of a competitor.

Scott Toland, a journalism major from Iola, was the Kansas state spelling bee champ twice, in 2001 and 2002, earning him two bids to the national bee. Although he didn’t take the crown either year (he misspelled paroemia, — a rhetorical proverb — one year), he looks back fondly on his time with his fellow spellers.

“Being at the spelling bee is the best experience I’ve ever had,” said Toland.

And so he’ll return, although this time it will be an entirely new experience — with a lot less pressure. This year’s national bee takes place May 30 and 31 in the nation’s capital.

Paige Kimble, director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, said crew members are primarily there to serve the families of the 286 spellers participating in the bee.

“They host events, provide information to the media, complete administrative tasks and develop a rapport with the spellers,” said Kimble.

It’s a competitive process to earn a spot on the crew. Toland applied last fall and was interviewed by Kimble and her staff. He found out in late February that he had been selected.

Before he heads to Washington, Toland will finish his first year at KU, where he is involved in Student Senate and writes for the student newspaper. Toland hopes to pursue a career in sports writing.

Toland is a one of the first directly admitted freshmen in KU’s William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Usually, students must have junior standing to be admitted to the school. He is also a John P. Kaiser Scholar. Both honors recognize his accomplishments at Iola High School, where he was editor of the newspaper, an athlete in cross country and tennis, and a participant in forensics, band, choir, Scholars Bowl, theater and chess club.

“I’m amazed at all the things he’s been able to do in his short time at KU,” said Ann Brill, dean of the journalism school. “I think he’s an outstanding student from an outstanding family.”

All of Toland’s siblings have participated in spelling bees. Toland even serves as his younger brother Kent’s coach. Kent Toland has won the Kansas state bee twice — just like Scott — and is a freshman at Iola High School. Older sister Carol is in her second year of law school at KU, and their brother Mark attends Wichita State University. They are the children of Karen Toland and the late John Toland.

“I’m really excited to be on staff at the national bee,” Toland said. “It’s sort of like a dream job for me.”

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