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Wood Buffalo to host region's first spelling bee

Last Updated Jan 10, 2019 at 11:29 am MDT

PHOTO. Supplied. Spelling Bee of Canada - Wood Buffalo Region.

The Spelling Bee of Canada (SBOC) Wood Buffalo chapter announced Tuesday that they’re organizing the region’s first spelling bee.

Children aged 6 to 14 can participate in three age categories: Primary (6 to 8), Junior (9 to 11), and Intermediate (12 to 14). 

Dr. Phanisree Timmaraju, the president of the SBOC Wood Buffalo chapter, which is comprised of student volunteers, mentors, principals, school board directors, and other members, hopes that the spelling bee will bring awareness to literacy in the region. She said she also hopes that this initiative will improve relationships between students and teachers and encourage children to share their ideas clearly and with confidence.

“The main theme of Spelling Bee of Canada is ‘Education with Perseverance and we believe that will lead to success.” 

Currently, there are 85 students registered in the competition from the RMWB with space still available in the primary and intermediate categories. Each student must learn 400 words in time for the competition, which will be held on March 17th, 2019.

Winners in each category will receive a cash prize and qualify for the National Spelling Bee Championship in Toronto in May. Aside from cash incentives, Kote Swara, a volunteer with the SBOC Wood Buffalo chapter said every participant gains a measure of satisfaction from being part of the program. 

“In an intimidating situation…they are able to express themselves clearly so their emotional burden would be less in the future.” 

Registration has been extended, so you can register your child to participate online before Jan, 31.