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On April 25, the group will sponsor its first Community Spelling Bee for high schoolers and adults. Up to 40 teams, each with three members, will be able to compete.
The event is designed as a fundraiser for the group and as a way to celebrate learning in the community. A cash prize will be awarded to the winning team, and prizes will also be awarded the most original team name, most team spirit and the best costume.
“We have never held a Spelling Bee before, but this has been successfully done in Wilton, Hartford and by the Cardinal Sheehan Center in Bridgeport, which has provided guidance,” said Carolyn Ripp, spokeswoman for the foundation. “We came up with the idea after reading about the event held in Grafton, Mass.”
The event is looking for teams made up of “teachers, parents, high school students, community members, local officials, and area businesses.” Team registrations will be accepted until April 1, and each team must pay a $150 entrance fee.
So far, some local PTOs, parents, Robek’s, which is sponsoring two teams, and some local politicians have shown interest in the event, Ripp said.
“We have in-kind donations from Minuteman Press and sponsorships/donations from AT&T, My 3 Sons, Norwalk Junior Soccer and the list is growing,” she added.
Unlike most spelling bees, teams will be using a whiteboard to show their answers, instead of spelling out their responses verbally. Additionally, teams are encouraged to wear costumes and bring cheering squads.
Tickets for the April 25 event are $10, and proceeds will benefit the foundation. The Community Spelling Bee will be held in Norwalk City Hall from 6:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit the foundation’s website.
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