Don’t Worry, Bee Happy

Spelling was my THING in elementary and middle school. I'm pretty sure I went at least one full academic year without missing a word on a spelling test (and without studying). The only year I didn't make the schoolwide spelling bee was 2nd grade, and I'll never forget how to spell stampede because of it. 'Canonize' and 'ascertain' are also imprinted in my brain. 

Accordingly, when Josh mentioned that the public school he visits 2x a week (coincidentally, the one that rents classroom space from my church) was having a spelling bee, I cleared my schedule so I could go. My presence was fortuitous; the bee was postponed from Friday to yesterday because of Hurricane Melissa, which meant two of the "judges" could no longer come. From spectator to official? Sign me up. 

Yes, there were DECORATIONS, including flowers. 

Each of the three judges had a scoresheet like this where we first listed the spellers' names and grades. As they each took their turn, we started by awarding them 1, 2, or 3 points, then switched to Xs and checkmarks. 

English teacher Meigan (background) randomly selected a word for pronouncer Abby (foreground) to give each speller by "spinning" a virtual wheel. A sampling of Round 1 offerings: can, back, every, around, because, chickens, February. 

Spellers could - but rarely did - ask any of "this" questions.

Meigan asked seminarian Francisco to lead activities that would help spellers and audience alike loosen up and relax from time to time. 

Seven spellers advanced to Round 2, meaning they spelled at least 1/2 words correctly in Round 1. (We skipped a few whose nerves got the best of them.) By the end of Round 3, we had our top 3. Determining a champ, though, called for a harder word list (read: wheel): usually, fragment, chocolate, journalist, calendar, and laughing, to name a few. The winner emerged quickly, but we had to break several ties between the remaining two finalists. Abby expertly starting making up words on the spot once we exhausted the ones provided; "lawyer" and "entire" solidified second and third place, respectively. 

Because why would you NOT teach students the dance moves to "You're the One That I Want" from Grease while you wait for the certificates to print?!

I'm not sure what qualified me to hand out certificates for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, but here we are.

Meigan (far right, purposefully dressed in black & yellow, I might add) with the pronouncer & judges. 

Top 3 finishers with the pronouncer & judges. 

Champion Chanel (above, center) will go on to represent the school at the district level. Pray for her as she uses her gifts to glorify her Lord and Savior. 

As Josh's opening prayer eloquently pointed out, God gave us the gift of words. He used His words to create the world and call it good, and speaks words of salvation to His creation - us! - through Christ.  It Because of Christ, and by the power of His Holy Spirit, we can use OUR words to not only read, write, and spell, but teach, exhort, and share the reason for the hope we have with those around us. 

Until next time, blessings in Christ!