Literacy Now and Okanagan College Partner to Put on the 6th Annual Adult Spelling Bee
For the 6th year in a row Penticton Golf and Country Club will be a buzz as Literacy Now South Okanagan-
Similkameen and Okanagan College partner to hold the Adult Spelling Bee Challenge on May 26th from 7 to 9 a.m.
The event is the only fundraising initiative for Literacy Now – South Okanagan Similkameen. Proceeds from the spelling bee support adult literacy programs in the South Okanagan Similkameen region.
At the 2014 event, Hsiu-O (Grace) Lin, an Okanagan College Adult Academic and Career Preparation student spoke to those participating in the Spelling Bee, “Since I studied English at Okanagan College, I have built my confidence each day. Now, I can read a book and I can talk to people, not just about weather and sports. The most important thing is I can make nice conversation with my customers without misunderstanding, and that is a huge help.” Grace had the participants laughing and smiling throughout her presentation.
Grace is still a student at Okanagan College, and continues her journey through adult literacy. “We are like a family,” says Grace of her classmates, “I really enjoy my classes because we share our different cultures, and we learn varied life experiences from each other. I hope one day that I will contribute myself to the school and community.”
Unlike a traditional spelling bee where individuals spell alone, groups of six to eight work together to correctly spell words that are presented in 3 rounds, with 5 words per round. Participants can either, register for $25, or ask friends and family for pledges. Participants are provided a breakfast buffet on behalf of the City of Penticton.
“This event helps reduce the stigma of adult literacy by reminding others that while reading and writing skills – including spelling – are important, they are not a measure of intelligence or other abilities,” says Dannielle Hyde, Literacy Outreach Coordinator for Literacy Now, South Okanagan Similkameen.
Those interested submitting a team should register early, as there are limited seats available.
See poster for more information and contact.