Library to Host Finals of Spelling Bee

Cambridge Public Library will host the finals of the inaugural spelling bee organized by My Brothers Keeper, Sisters with a Dream, and Fletcher-Maynard Academy on Saturday, April 8, from 12-2 p.m. in the Lecture Hall of the Main Library. The competition is aimed at enhancing the spelling and vocabulary of contest participants while promoting reading, writing, and delight in the discovery of the expansiveness of words.

Earlier rounds of the competition which began in late March 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. “We are very proud of the students who are participating in this spelling bee competition” said Aishah Abdul-Musawwir, former librarian in the Cambridge Public Schools District, “the drive, enthusiasm, knowledge, and willingness to compete is what is required to dream big and accomplish some of the great things these students are truly destined for.”

The tournament began in early March. The rules are inspired by The Scripps National Spelling Bee. Participants take turns spelling words derived from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The participant from each grade level who can spell the most words correctly will win a $100 gift card. “The enthusiasm of the children and their parents in the spelling bee speaks to the need, indeed the urgency of more events like this in Cambridge,” said Frank Barnes of My Brothers Keeper Cambridge, one of the founding organizations. “Our obligation is to do this annual event for as long as is necessary.”

Community members are invited to attend the finals on Saturday, April 8 to cheer on participants. “The Library is delighted to host the finals of this historic Cambridge Spelling Bee,” said Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries. “It will be a special day and I wish the finalists and the organizers an excellent competition.”

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