Can you spell success? Bill Judd can.
He is the chair of the 6th annual Literacy Volunteers of Seneca County spelling bee, held at Waterloo High School auditorium.
“We are delighted to report that his year’s event was better than ever,” Judd said.
Six teams competed, with the Golden Oldies capturing the crown and the $200 prize. This was the Golden Oldies’ fourth appearance in the competition Team members Tom Frechette, Bev Blad and Yasmin Scheuer donated half of their winnings back to Literacy Volunteers. The Killer Bees, composed of Doug Lee, Suzanne Lee and Kyle Austin, captured second place and $100. They donated their winnings to Literacy Volunteers. Third place and $50 was won by WEA Reading Rocks members Paul Hernon, Molly Lahr, Mary Beth Stowell and Andrea Roach.
Other teams included Seneca Falls-Waterloo Kiwanis Spellers, Team members Christopher King, Mary Beth King, Kaitlin King, Christina King, (all related to MC John King) and Mike Kelly. And Waterloo making their fifth appearance in the bee, Waterloo Interact Club with members Adi Aunkst-Park and Dalton Polly.
MC for the event was John King, thespian and board member of Literacy Volunteers. Retired newspaper columnist and charity auctioneer Carol Ritter Wright was the pronouncer.
Marleen Hubbs, Chet Kuplinski, and Linda Brewer served as judges for the competition, which went 27 rounds.
Mrs. Angela Jones, a “long time fan” of the Bee, returned her door prize of $50 to the LVA cause
The spelling bee raised more than $2,500 to support important literacy services for adults in Seneca County. This year’s Corporate Sponsor was Seneca Falls Veterinary Hospital. Major Contributors included: Evans Chemetics, Kabari Chiropractic Integrated Wellness, Downtown Deli, Barrett Marine, Inc., Quiet Country Estates, Lyons National Bank, Waterloo Rotary and Waterloo Lions Club
Judd said planning already had begun for the 7th Annual Spelling Bee set for March 2019.
Literacy Volunteers provides quality literary services to students at no cost to improve the lives of adults and their families. Volunteer tutors work one-on-one with students to help them learn to read and write, improve math skills, obtain a high school diploma, or become US citizens.
New students and teachers are always needed. To volunteer, contact the Literacy Volunteers office at 315-539-1795. Literacy Volunteers is a United Way agency.
