It may not be the Scripps National Spelling Bee, but that doesn't mean the competition is any less fierce.
The Monroe County Community School Foundation will organize the annual “Great Grown Up Spelling Bee” on Oct. 3 at Ivy Tech’s Shreve Hall.
The spelling bee itself will consist of multiple organizations competing as teams while dressed in a costume theme of the organization’s choice.
Each organization has a team of three spellers who will all work together. The competition is structured into rounds with one misspelling leading to an elimination.
“It’s a great opportunity to keep my spelling skills active and support our local schools,” Joel Pierson said.
Pierson is competing with Solution Tree, an educational material publisher.
“It’s a little bit unconventional compared to the days of school spelling bees,” Pierson said. “But my teammates and I are ready to get up there and kick proverbial butt.”
Along with the three spellers on each organization’s team, there are “cheer sections.” These groups also wear costumes for spirit, and there are awards given out to groups with the best costumes and the most spirit.
“We just encourage everybody to come out and support our teams,” said Cyrilla Helm, executive director of the Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools.
The winner of the competition receives a traveling trophy to keep until the next year.
The event will run 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Oct. 3 at Ivy Tech's Shreve Hall and tickets for the event cost $20.
