How do you inspire the “tech generation” of students to read?
Five teams made that challenge look as easy as A-B-C and are now finalists in the Spellebrity Video Contest sponsored by the Scripps National Spelling Bee and its presenting sponsor, Kindle.
Thousands of online votes poured in to narrow down a field of 10 semifinalists to the top five entries now competing to be the video champion.
“We want to commend all of the students who took time out of their busy schedules to produce the videos for this first-ever Spellebrity contest,” said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. “To see so many kids have such a passion for reading and spelling is phenomenal. And to have thousands of votes cast to express appreciation for those videos and the messages they conveyed is inspiring. We look forward to making Bee Week particularly memorable for our team winners.”
Who are the finalists?
Congratulations to the top five finalists:
Mary N. | Oneonta, New York | Oneonta Middle School
Lexi’s Productions | New Haven, Indiana | St. Peter’s Lutheran School
The Escape Artists | Harrison, Ohio | Harrison Junior School
Just Read It | Lake Oswego, Oregon | River Grove Elementary
Nathan & Nico | Cincinnati, Ohio | Winton Woods Middle School
Competition continues at national spelling bee
The contest doesn’t end here, though. From May 22-27, each Top-5 finalist team member will head to the Scripps National Spelling Bee courtesy of a prize package including:
- Economy airfare or train fare for each team member and a parent/guardian
- One standard hotel room at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
- $400 gift card for travel and meal expenses
- Complimentary tickets for each team member and parent/guardian for the National Zoo Experience, a Bee-organized tour of Washington, D.C., and the Awards Banquet
Scripps National Spelling Bee contestants will view the videos and vote for the best entry during the 2016 Bee Week to select the champion video. Each member of the championship team will receive $1,000 cash and a Spellebrity trophy.
