Does spelling antediluvian give you pause for thought? Well you wouldn’t be alone, as some of the best spellers in the Shuswap struggled to get this one right at the 5th annual Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap (LASS) spelling bee.
Our popular literacy fundraiser once again brought participants together for a fun-filled event that encouraged team-work and friendly competition while raising funds to support community literacy programs.
The 7 a.m. start to the competition, held Wednesday May 9th at the Prestige Inn, did not deter teams from arriving in costume (at least we think the pyjama clad Salmon Arm Observer’s Sleepy Speller team were in costume) and ready to compete for the coveted honour of being the Shuswap’s best spellers.
For the first time ever we went to a tie-breaker round, as the Pollinators challenged reigning champions Bee-Witched for the title, however Bee-Witched proved their prowess by being the first to solve the word scramble, thereby claiming the top honour for a fourth time.
While the competition was all in fun the $10,000 raised provides much needed funds to support literacy programs such as Cyber Seniors computer tutoring, One to One reading throughout district elementary schools, and Unplug and Play week in January.
LASS is grateful for the support of many individuals, local businesses, volunteers, school district and the media who all contribute to making the spelling bee a success and we hope to see everyone again next year.