All too often, schools get in the news when things go wrong: fights, poor test scores, unhappy teachers.

So we all applaud when things go right.

Each year, the district and state spelling bees — along with other educational programs and fairs — remind us that many of our children DO love learning and developing skills.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee and the district and state bees that lead up to the national bee help students improve spelling, increase vocabulary and develop correct English usage that will help them throughout their lives.

We admit we're a bit biased as the lead sponsor of the Hawai'i State Spelling Bee, but each year other companies and individuals join us in paying tribute to the kids who participate.

This year, 80 public and private schools and the Military Home Educators Network participated, with approximately 155 kids making it to the seven district bees.

Tomorrow, the 14 first- and second-place winners from the district bees will compete for the honor of being the state's top speller.

You can watch the spelling showdown live on OC16 at noon tomorrow.

You can be sure that in the final rounds, the words will not be as easy as I-N-S-P-I-R-A-T-I-O-N-A-L — but that's what all these kids are.

Let's wish them the best as they try to spell their way to the national bee in May.