Since the inception of the National Spelling Bee in 1925, this battle of words has been both entertaining and d-i-f-f-i-c-u-l-t for spectators and competitors alike. This week 281 spellers from across the country will compete for first place in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

So what if you want to spell with the b-e-s-t? Spelling Bees may seem a little square at first, but there’s nothing square about a mental challenge. No matter what type of educational background, just getting the courage to get started can be tough!

Mean Girls

Don’t worry about the haters, just hit the books and make sure you’re well prepared for your big day. Haters gonna hate, no matter where you go to school. Make sure you have a good tutor (or at least none of these guys…)

Metalocalypse

Now that you’ve finally managed take your place on stage with the best spellers in the country, you still have to remember how to spell the word!

The Simpsons

Original Video – More videos at TinyPic

Everything’s not coming up Milhouse this time…

Family Guy

Don’t mess with Iron Mike, no matter what anyone says (or spells).

Sometimes an ad can really make you chuckle. This one, courtesy of Windows 7 and, yes, Family Guy’s Peter Griffin, is a classic.

Arthur

It’s a wonderful kind of day… when you win!

Billy Madison

After you win, don’t be shy if you start to feel like Billy Madison did…

These spellers have come from far and wide and competing on the national level can be a pretty stressful experience. It takes brains and courage to stand up on national television and compete! If you’ve studied hard and powered past the regionals, all you have left to do is win. If you are interested for more in depth coverage of what it takes to be a spelling bee champion, check out the 2004 documentary Spellbound. It’s a great film that provides lots of insight about what these spellers go through to be #1!

BONUS CLIP:

A small, animated Roseanne uses her spelling powers to do battle with a queen bee that looks like Buddy Holly with a toilet plunger.