The University of Wyoming and the AARP National Spelling Bee will host the Wyoming State Spelling Bee March 13 on the UW campus.
Students wishing to participate must either attend a school that is registered with the Scripps National Spelling Bee program or if home schooled, register with Scripps directly by Dec. 18. There is no cost to students to participate in the Wyoming State Bee.
"We are glad to offer our experience holding spelling bees for people age 50 and older to ensure that the students of Wyoming get a chance to compete on the local, state and national level," AARP National Spelling Bee Chairwoman Pat Johnson says. "It's wonderful that the University of Wyoming is willing to offer this opportunity to young students to challenge themselves and showcase their talents."
To compete at the state level for a chance to represent Wyoming at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, students must first qualify through a series of elimination bees, which must be held on or before March 1.
To register, visit the Web site at www.spellingbee.com. Each school must pay an entry fee to become eligible to participate and also receive materials to help students' success at the local and state spelling bees.
The spelling bee is open to Wyoming students not past the eighth grade and have not turned 16 by Aug. 31. Students may take part in the state bee only if their schools are registered.
The Wyoming Spelling Bee winner is eligible for an all-expenses paid trip to the 2010 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C., next spring.
Last March Sage Weber from the University of Wyoming Lab School outspelled 38 contestants to earn a spot at the national bee.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the longest running educational promotion, starting in 1925. This is the second year UW will host the Wyoming bee. The organizers of the AARP National Spelling Bee will officiate at the local competition.
The statewide competition will help to connect Wyoming schools, build relationships and promote learning and competition through the rural communities in the state. Participation in the spelling bee encourages students to study vocabulary, word history and definitions. It also helps students gain self-confidence and promotes academic achievement.
For study tips, qualifications, and more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee or the state spelling bee, visit the Web site www.spellingbee.com or contact the Wyoming State Spelling Bee at wyomingstatebee@gmail.com.
Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2009