Deadline nears to sign up for 79th spelling bee

Staff report

Youngstown

There are nine days left for area schools to sign up for the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition.

The Vindicator will sponsor its 79th Regional Spelling Bee on March 17, 2012, as a qualifier for the Scripps event in May in Washington, D.C.

Participating schools have until Oct. 17 to enroll with Scripps at www.spellingbee.com and secure log-in details for a copy of the 2012 School Pronouncer Guide plus three grade-specific levels of the 2012 Classroom Pronouncer Guide.

There is no cost for registration as the Ohio Lottery Commission is picking up that fee for Ohio schools as part of its commitment to education.

Schools have their own bees to select a champion to advance to The Vindicator Regional Spelling Bee.

The winner of the regional event gets an all-expense paid trip to compete in the Scripps national bee in Washington.

Nena Perkins, coordinator of the regional bee, said about 50 schools have enrolled so far, with a total of about 68 expected.

The Vindicator bee will be in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center at Youngstown State University at 9 a.m. March 17.

Students may begin using the free, official study guide from the Scripps National Spelling Bee and Merriam-Webster available at www.myspellit.com.

The free online access replaces the school’s need to order spelling-bee booklets for students.