By Staff
Teams tackle words Oct. 23
By DAN PARSONS
Staff Writer
Attention orthographers: The fourth-annual Adult Team Spelling Bee has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at P.S. Jones Middle School.
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit health and physical-fitness activities in Beaufort County schools, according to Anne Crumpler, assistant executive director of the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the fundraiser.
There’s more, Crumpler said.
Last year’s champion, a team fielded by Aurora Middle School, took the trophy after defeating 41 other teams and correctly spelling the word “vinaigrette.” That event netted the school system $5,000 for art and music programs, Crumpler said. The chamber’s education division determines to which area of education the proceeds go.
The spelling bee is open to anyone over the age of 16. There are two categories of sponsors that may enter teams in the competition. Business leaders, employees from area businesses, teachers, parents and civic-club members are encouraged to participate, Crumpler said.
For a $100 entry fee, team sponsors, may enter one team of four people, receive one free word and receive recognition in the event program and at the event. For a $250 entry fee, a corporate sponsor may field a team comprised of its employees and a school team.
Each four-person team will have 30 seconds to write down the correct spelling of each word called out by the spelling bee moderator, WITN-TV anchorwoman Christine Kennedy. A judge at each table will determine if a team’s entry is correct. Each team that incorrectly spells a word may continue to the next round by paying a $25 fee, until the fourth round.
Cheering for teams is encouraged, Crumpler said. Teams may bring supporters to cheer for their teams during the competition. Prizes will be given to the most-spirited team.
The spelling bee is designed to provide businesses an opportunity for team building, networking, advertising, recognition and the chance to support education in Beaufort County.
For more information on sponsorship or to register for the spelling bee, call the chamber at (252) 946-9168.