Cambridge Public Library to Host Second Annual Spelling Bee Finals

The Cambridge Public Library will host the Second Annual Spelling Bee finals on Thursday, June 20, from 6-8 p.m. in the Lecture Hall of the Main Library. Community members are invited to attend the finals to provide support and cheer on contestants. The spelling bee aims to enhance the spelling and vocabulary skills of contestants while promoting reading, writing, and delight in the power of words.

The tournament, which began in early May, is inspired by the Scripps National Spelling Bee and adheres to some of its rules. Earlier rounds of the competition, which began June 6, were held in the Fletcher-Maynard Academy in The Port neighborhood. Participants, who are students in grades 1 through 5, come from the Cambridge Public Schools District.

“This year was a very tight competition, especially among students in 4th and 5th grades. It was inspiring to see how focused the students were, aiming to become a finalist,” says Aishah Abdul-Musawwir, one of the coordinators of Sisters With A Dream.

Contestants will take turns spelling words from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and the grade-level Scripps National Spelling Bee listings online. The participant from each grade level who can spell the most words correctly will win a $100 gift card, second place will win a $50 gift card and third place will win a $25 gift card.

“The Library is thrilled to host the Second Annual Spelling Bee finals,’’ said Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries. “The spelling bee coincides with our Summer Reading program, which shares in the spelling bee’s promotion of learning and literacy.”  The spelling bee is cosponsored by My Brother’s Keeper Cambridge, Sisters With A Dream, the Fletcher-Maynard Academy, and the Cambridge Public Library.

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