Lakes Bee set for March 2 at NJPA
Students will compete for a chance to represent Region 5 at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.
Staples, Minn. (22 February 2017) – National Joint Powers Alliance® will host approximately 35 students from across Region 5 next Thursday, March 2 for the 2017 Lakes Bee.
The group of spellers is comprised of students grades 4-8 who were a finalist or champion in their district. The Lakes Bee Champion earns a trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C., May 28-June 2. NJPA will cover all costs for the week for the speller plus one parent or guardian.
NJPA Administrative Specialist Carol Jackson has coordinated the regional bee since 2009, and NJPA has sponsored the bee for over 25 years. The event is traditionally held at Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd, and is making the switch to NJPA's building for the first time this year.
Jackson says years ago when sponsorship was first proposed, the NJPA Board of Directors unanimously voted to support the event and the organization continues to view it as an important opportunity for Region 5 students.
“Spelling is a lifelong skill and this is a tremendous experience for them,” Jackson said. “They really have to concentrate up there. Those that are on stage are going to be our next… well, they're our future. They're going to go on to do wonderful things, I'm sure.”
Check-in for the Lakes Bee opens at 1:00 p.m., with the spelling bee getting underway at 1:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Sourcewell (formerly National Joint Powers Alliance) is a self-supporting government organization, partnering with education, government, and nonprofits to boost student and community success. Created in 1978 as one of Minnesota's nine service cooperatives, we offer training and shared services to our central-Minnesota members. Throughout North America, we offer a cooperative purchasing program with over 200 awarded vendors on contract. Sourcewell is driven by service and the ability to strategically reinvest in member communities.