Second annual Adult Spelling Bee set for Star Hall
Nov 01, 2012 | 1637 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print
The Grand County Education Foundation (GCEF) is hosting its second annual Adult Spelling Bee from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, at Star Hall, 159 E. Center St., Moab.

  Three-person teams will take turns with other teams to determine the correct spelling of a word. Each team has a scribe who writes the spelling of the word on a whiteboard and shows it to the judges and the audience. 

  “Lawyers compete with the school board, radio personalities compete against bankers,” board member Valerie Brown said in a news release from GCEF. “Everyone dresses in crazy costumes. It’s a blast.” 

  Rounds progress through different levels of difficulty until two teams remain for a spell-off. Prizes are awarded not only for the winning team of spellers, but also for the team having the best costumes. All spectators and participants are eligible for door prizes.

  Team entry fee is $180. Registration will be accepted until Monday, Nov. 5. Word study lists and event details will be sent to each team member after registration. Spectator admission is $5.

  The spelling bee is a signature fundraiser that highlights the GCEF’s educational mission. The purpose of the foundation is to support and enhance the education of children in Grand County schools. Last year the bee raised about $3,000. With the community’s continuing support, the organization hopes to exceed that amount this year.

The GCEF raises funds through grant writing, leveraging funds from individuals and organizations, and events like this one. To date the foundation has disbursed more than $20, 000.

  Foundation chairwoman Danette Johnson notes, “The foundation has funded projects like providing early intervention program materials for our youngest learners, funding salary for art and music teachers, and purchasing licenses for online math and reading programs. The foundation is making a difference in the lives of Moab’s children.”

  KZMU Radio personality Jeff Flanders and middle school principal Melinda Snow will serve as moderators for the event with judges and timers from local community service organizations.

  “Watching the spellers is so exciting and we have the best participant prizes and door prizes,” Melodie McCandless of GCEF said in the news release.

  To become a team sponsor or to put together a team of your own, call Valerie at 260-2808 or Annie at 970-231-9328, email: moabannie@gmail.com or go online at grandcef.org.

  Established in 2009, the GCEF is a non-profit organization that funds educational projects, activities, and programs benefiting the students in Grand County schools.
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