FORT KENT, Maine — Young wordsmiths will test their skills next this week when the University of Maine at Fort Kent Office of Community Education hosts the Northern District (Aroostook County) Scripps National Spelling Bee competition for middle school students on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at UMFK’s Fox Auditorium.
Greater Houlton Christian Academy students who are moving on to the Aroostook County Spelling Bee are Yvonne Henderson, left, and Jessica Quint, right. With the two is Randall Burns, bee coordinator.
(Joseph Cyr)
Maine School Administrative District 27 is sponsoring the 2015 competition under the supervision of district librarian Deanna Potter.
Christine Nunemaker, UMFK’s assistant dean of student success, will be the bee master for the competition. Judges for the event include Jennifer Parizo, UMFK community education specialist; Linda Deprey, UMFK development officer; and Jenna Lynds, a UMFK student majoring in behavioral science.
“We are very pleased to be hosting this event on our campus again this year.” said UMFK Dean of Community Education, Scott Voisine. “This spelling bee is an event that celebrates academic achievement and provides young people the opportunity to hone skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.”
The winners of the Northern District spelling bee will continue on to the state of Maine competition. The state winners will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which ESPN will air this spring.
The spelling bee is free and open to the public.
