Spelling bees help to promote literacy by providing children with a positive goal to strive for, while giving them a forum to display the results of their dedication to work hard. Not only does the event improve their spelling, the bees also aid children in learning concepts, improving comprehension, and developing study skills that will benefit them through their school years and later. Benefits extend beyond language and skill, though. Since the event is portrayed in front of an audience of judges, teachers, peers, and spectators, the children develop self confidence, communication and public speaking skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure. These imperative skills can be used far after school careers have surpassed. The lessons learned by participating in a spelling bee can therefore last a lifetime, and can benefit even those who don't outlast all competitors leading to success in the future.

Spelling bees were held in individual schools across the Union County this winter with students advancing to the Countywide Competition. This event occurred on February 28 at Union County High School Library. Lauren Effler and Sara Collins of the Central Office facilitated the event. On the day of the contest, Effler welcomed the students and parents with congratulations for their deserving advancement. Sherrie Collins served as the pronouncer for the contest. A panel of judges were made up of Jason Bailey, Union County Mayor; Jean Collins, Retired teacher; and Debbie Harbin, Retired Teacher. Union County Retired Teachers provided some of the judges.

After introductions were complete, Collins outlined the rules of the competition. The pronouncer will speak the word with the speller having opportunity to request a definition and use in a sentence. Judges will recite the requested information. Once a speller begins spelling a word, they may start over but with no changes in the letters or their order. Upon missing a word, the contestant drops out of the contest, moving to the next contestant with a new word. When the final field is narrowed to two, the elimination procedure changes. One student misses, then the second student must spell the same word correctly, if it is missed the first contestant is not eliminated. If it is correct, the student is named the winner of the competition.

The pronouncer started off with a test run assuring the judges and spellers could accurately hear and speak at the correct levels of volume. As the contest began it was a few rounds before any eliminations, the hours of studying was showing in the knowledge of the students. Several rounds passed with the fields narrowing one by one, down to the final two contestants, Kyla Collins and Graciella Linkous. The last word of the contest was “tempting” as one student moved to the first place spot.

Graciella Linkous of Sharps Chapel Elementary was the winner of the competition with a very smart Kyla Collins as the first runner up. Carter Wyrick of Luttrell Elementary closely followed as the second runner up with Mary Caroline Mondaya of Maynardville Elementary, Isaiah Sauceda of Paulette Elementary, and Caleb Brook of Horace Maynard Middle in close followings. Prizes included a first place trophy and invitation to participate in the Regional Spelling Bee to be held in Knoxville. All other placements received Staxis, Contraptions, and Scrabble. No one went home empty handed as all students received STEM sets as well as prize bags donated by the Union County Education Association containing a dictionary/thesaurus, and participant and parent shirts.
A reception shortly followed the contest and awards ceremony. Collins and Effler want to thank all parents, TNT Printing, The Retired Teachers Association, Sherrie Collins, Jason Bailey, Jean Collins, Debbie Harbin, Baked By Allison, Kelly's Deli, and all local support. They expressed that this is another way kids can shine and get a confidence boost that may someday inspire them to want to give back to the community that may have given them that boost.