By Nikka Hronis
March 17, 2014 In an age where writing is ruled by spellcheck and autocorrect, come one, come all to prove we humans can still spell! This year the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce will put on its annual Spelling Bee for Grown-Ups on Tuesday, March 18. The bee is sponsored by Yadkin Bank and promotes education in the High Country.
“We sponsor the spelling bees for the schools so we use this as a fundraising opportunity to support education in the High Country.” said Dan Meyer, President of Boone Chamber of Commerce.
So round up your best spellers and form a team of four to compete in the three rounds of the bee: Easy, Intermediate and Difficult. Rather than spelling out words verbally, competitors must spell words in writing, but without the crutch of any spellcheck or autocorrect. Contestants will be given the option of purchasing “Bee Bucks” to use as a lifeline to save them if a word is misspelled.
“It’s fun to see the spellings of some of these words, Sometimes the question is “are you smarter than a fifth grader,” Meyer admitted.
The competition is all in the name of fun, with awards given to the team with the best costumes and best table decorations, in addition to prizes for the top spellers of the competition. Top spellers from the K-8 Spelling Bee are even brought in if contestants need assistance.
“The whole thing is to support our students and expand their learning opportunities. Theres no greater cause than that,” Meyer said.
Entry fees are $60 per team of four, with proceeds advancing the work of local educational projects and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The deadline to enter is March 14, and space is limited, so be sure to get your entry in promptly. Click here for the registration form.
The Grown-Up Spelling Bee will take place at 5:00 p.m on Tuesday, March 18 in the Watauga High School gymnasium. This event will be free and open to the public, however donations are appreciated. Light refreshments will be provided and spectators are encouraged. Come support local spellers at this fun community event!
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