Continuing a 16-year tradition, Hargrove once again fabricated and installed the red and blue, 36- by 64-foot stage and columned side stage panels. As the number of participants dwindled throughout the competition, Hargrove, reduced the size of the stage accordingly. Security for the students, who may be in unfamiliar territory on a large stage, was squarely on the minds of both Scripps and Hargrove. “Sometimes when they spell a word wrong they start crying, get upset, and they run off the stage,” said Cynthia Hargrove, who has worked on the Bee for 16 years. “People are in place to try to get the students off as quickly as possible. We have railings in place and a handicap ramp so they don’t go down the stairs or the wrong way.” A small, private area was created behind the stage for Scripps staff members to console students.

Few details have emerged ahead of Friday night’s Time Inc. joint party for Time and People at the Astor Terrace of the St. Regis or the joint fete Bloomberg News and Vanity Fair are teaming up to host Saturday night for 300 guests at the residence of French Ambassador Pierre Vimont. Other media organizations, however, are sharing details.