Glen Ellyn Public Library to Host Regional Senior Spelling Bee Contest
Glen Ellyn, IL- In an era when spell check is ubiquitous and countless brand names have corrupted the correct spelling of words to forge a commercial identity, accurate spelling has become more of a challenge.
Enter seniors, age 50 and older, who are brave enough to put their spelling prowess on public display. Those among the most fearless senior spellers will compete in a regional Senior Spelling Bee qualifying match at Glen Ellyn Public Library at 3 pm Monday, June 19.
The winners will advance to the State Finals on Aug. 14 in Springfield at the Illinois State Fair.
"The competition gets pretty heated," said Tracey Colagrossi, President of the Association of Illinois Senior Centers, the sponsoring organization. She said most spelling bees last two hours, but sometimes the competition is so fierce that it goes longer. "The longest I've seen them last is like three hours," she said.
Before reaching the regional contests, competitors made it through the local competitions. Local spelling bees were held in each of 13 geographic districts throughout Illinois earlier this spring.
Glen Ellyn's preliminary round, hosted by the Glen Ellyn Public Library, was held April 12 at Brookdale Senior Living in Glen Ellyn. That competition yielded two competitors who advanced to the regionals, along with five other competitors from the area.
The Glen Ellyn Public Library got involved in the preliminaries leading up to the statewide contest for several reasons.
"The best part about Bees of any kind is that they are community events that celebrate knowledge. They are hosted, organized, participated in and watched by community members to support someone who has worked very hard to know a lot about one thing -- in this case, spelling," said Sarah Kleiva, Outreach Librarian. "Giving Seniors the chance to demonstrate a lifetime of knowledge and spelling skills is a worthwhile event for Glen Ellyn to host and support."
The regionals will be staged in the Meeting Room on the first floor of the Library. A pronouncer will read each word to be spelled, saying it twice. Then, the contestant must say the word, spell it and repeat the word. One incorrect spelling, and the contestant will be eliminated from the competition. Judges will be on hand to handle any disagreements or challenges.
Colagrossi said the Senior Spelling Bee is a great way to recognize both seniors and spelling aptitude. "What we're trying to do here is get past the stigma of aging, by creating validity and emphasizing people are excellent spellers," she said. "I think spelling is a lost art."
The first and second place winners of the regional match will advance to the Springfield competition. And if they triumph in Springfield, they'll get a state title. "They get a trophy and a medal," Colagrossi said.
Kleiva said the regional event should be fun to participate in and to witness. "As a librarian, I am a complete nerd and spelling bees are my favorite spectator sport. When I found out that there was a statewide Senior Spelling Bee competition, I just had to get the Glen Ellyn Public Library involved -- if only so that I could watch," she said.