15th Annual Andover Community Spelling Bee

Woods Hill Middle School, 11 Cross St, Andover, MA | Get Directions »
FREE

The Bee is back!  A fun-filled community event that has become a local tradition, the 15th Annual Andover Spelling Bee will take place on Friday, March 22nd at Wood Hill Middle School.  Sponsored by the Andover Fund for Education (AFE), the Bee draws a large and lively crowd of students, parents, teachers, and community groups in support of AFE's innovation mini-grants to APS educators.  This year Selectman Alex Vispoli will return as MC, and judges will include Selectman Brian Major, Townsman editor Neil Fater, and Eileen Woods, former principal of South Elementary.  To keep the focus on fun, the Bee is designed as a team sport: there is no solo spelling.  Most teams arrive in costume, as do many of the audience members who cheer on their favorite team.  A Spirit Award is presented to the school team supported by the most enthusiastic fans.  Judges also award a trophy for Most Creative Team Costume.  The winning team of spellers wins prizes.  As always, AFE welcomes team participation from all area schools and community groups, as well as generous donations from donors.  AFE offers numerous ways to participate: enter a team of four adults in the competition, sponsor a round of the Bee, place an ad in the program, or become an AFE Friend of the Bee.  Registration remains open until March 20th.  Admission is free.  All proceeds support AFE innovation mini-grants to APS teachers.  Founded in 1991, AFE is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the pursuit of excellence in the Andover Public Schools.