A note from the coordinators

Welcome to the 36th annual Belmont County Spelling Bee! It is truly an honor to be serving such a strong tradition. We continue to be impressed with the topnotch spellers we have in this area. The Bee has seen some changes over the years, but we are pleased to be continuing our association with Belmont College in St. Clairsville, Ohio again this year.

The Spelling Bee is a program that takes the cooperation and hard work of a lot of individuals to make it successful. The dedicated school coordinators from all over the county meet four times a year to make plans and preparations to make the best Bee possible for our student competitors. School coordinators also spend countless hours in their own home school districts planning and carrying out their Bees, then working with their students who move on to the county Bee. Our sponsors provide support and prizes that are unparalleled in this area; be sure to check out the lengthy list in the program. The students, along with the support of their parents, coaches, and friends, spend seemingly endless hours studying works that many of us cannot even pronounce! If you have ever attended a Bee, you know what we mean.

The winner of our Belmont County Spelling Bee, along with winners from all of the other regional Bees across the nation, participates in a trip to Washington, D. C., for the National Finals. What a memorable experience! This first-class trip includes everything from private shuttle service to Pittsburgh, to an Amtrak train ride to D. C., to luxurious accommodations, to the opportunity to spell in front of national TV cameras.

There is even a semi-formal awards banquet. The National Finals will be held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center located on the banks of Potomac River. This first-class resort boasts a spectacular 18-story glass atrium that offers guests sweeping views of the Poto- mac River, Washington D.C., and Old Town Alexandria.

The experience for the winner and his/her group would never happen without sponsors like the Times Leader, Belmont Savings Bank, Uniglobe Travel, Airport Limousine Service, Bordas and Bordas, Belmont College, the Ohio River Elks, and the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center.

To each and every participant in the Bee, congratulations! You are all winners! True, only one person will walk away with the first place trophy, but you each have already achieved so much. To attempt to master the words in the Words of the Champions study booklet is a monumental task. To get up on stage in front of your peers, family, friends, and other supporters, is an undertaking not many people would attempt. Your drive, dedication, and spelling prowess are to be commended. You have every right to walk away from the County Bee with your head held high!