Here’s the “Top 10 Reasons” to attend IPEI’s 19th Annual Adult Spelling Bee, Sunday March 5 at Ithaca High School Wellness Center Gym at 2:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.). Not only is it family-friendly and fun, but the Bee is free and open to the public.
10 Cheer on the 32 Spelling Bee teams (see below for team names and link to the tentative schedule of teams in four preliminary rounds) of three adults each and support their continuing fundraising: http://www.ipei.org/spelling-bee/bee-sponsor/
9 Express thanks to the many generous event and team sponsors, inkind supporters, and event volunteers, highlighted in the event program and online: http://www.ipei.org/spelling-bee
8 Check out the exciting Silent Auction items and place bids during the first three rounds of spelling: http://www.ipei.org/view-silent-auction-items/
7 Bid on this year’s featured Silent Auction experience: seven seats for dinner with actor Josh Malina at Joel and Nancy Malina’s historic home with lake and sunset view, and catered by Cornell Catering!
6 Purchase Quilt Raffle tickets at the Bee or in advance: http://www.ipei.org/spelling-bee/spectate-more/
5 Enjoy delicious complimentary refreshments provided by Cornell Catering.
4 Pose in the Remembox “photo booth” for a souvenir of this year’s Bee!
3 Visit the play area for children accompanied by a parent or caregiver, and new features: face painting, and mini massages for adults needing a break from the spelling intensity!
2 Applaud as prizes are awarded for the various forms of competition including team costumes and fundraising as well as spelling as they vie for the Fuzzy Bee trophy.
1 Benefit ICSD students and teachers since the Bee supports IPEI’s grants that fund innovative projects and enhanced educational experiences!
Breaking News:
When IPEI was founded 20 years ago, Ralph Jones proposed adult spelling bees as fun fundraisers that would generate community support for ICSD teachers and students. This year’s Adult Spelling Bee honors his many years assisting with IPEI and its signature event; Jones will preside as “King Bee”.
Last year’s Bee piloted a spelling competition format based on the Bozeman School Foundation, Montana. With this approach, teams in each round were given the same words to spell at the same time, and the pace of spelling increased. To add another layer of challenge, the format for the final Championship round will remain a surprise this year. It may differ from the written format of rounds one through four. The rules will be announced between the fourth and final rounds keeping all participants in suspense!
In case of severe inclement weather, a decision to cancel the event will be made by 10:00 a.m. on March 5. This decision will be posted on our web site, and on Facebook and Twitter. However, roads, sidewalks and parking lots are typically cleared by the time of the event at 2:00 p.m.
For more information:
Contact IPEI and the Spelling Bee Committee, ipei@ipei.org to get involved or with questions. Co-chairs are Steve Manley, steven.manley@ipei.org, and Jennifer Biloski, jbiloski@twcny.rr.com, 607-256-4734 (IPEI).
2017 Spelling Bee Teams:
Belle Spellerz
Board of Ed Buzz
Caroline BEEtniks
CFCU Logophilers
Danby Road Shredder
Doctoral Dictionaries
Dr. Brown Told Us 2
Family Buzzers
Fawl Creak Fund R’aison
Fine Arts “Word” Boosters
First Congo Bees
GHOTI
Highway to Spell
Hive Mind
HosBeecare
I Don’t Think You’re Ready For This Royal Jelly
IHS Bee-T-A
ITA Spellerz
IthacaSTEM Hexaplexes
Off the “Wahl” Spellers
Prince, Phelps and Lemoncello
Spellicans
Spellitects
Spellout
Taking Care of Buzzness
The CU Laters
The Pagemasters
The Walkerbees
We Spell Krazy Good
Westhill <Ortho>Graphics
Wotterfawl Fun Raisin
y=mx+bee