During an Adams Middle School PTO meeting earlier this month, Nicole Schlagheck explained that the Guilford Fund for Education GFFE) Spelling Bee: Adult/Teen Team Edition would not return after its pre-COVID halt. There just were not enough volunteers to make the event happen.

When Dani Howard, president of the Adams Middle School PTO, heard this, she thought it was unacceptable and rose to the occasion.

“We cannot let that happen! That is such a fun Guilford family tradition!” She, along with Treasurer Rebecca Chung and Volunteer Coordinator Kim Guile, volunteered to Chair the event and bring it back to life.

The adult/teen spelling bee has been taking place since the Guilford Fund for Education was established in 2006 to fund educational initiatives for Guilford youth.

“The Adult/Teen Bee is good old-fashioned fun with a little competition thrown in. Teams of four get creative with naming themselves, dress in themed costumes, and compete as teams on the GHS stage. And the kids get such a kick out of watching the adults in themed costumes on stage trying their hand at spelling!” says Schlagheck, GFFE Board Chairperson. “Bless you, Dani Howard and PTO. This is going to be wonderful!”

Howard, Chung, Guile, and the committee have already secured meals for purchase, desserts, trophies, and fun activities while at the event. The Foundation is also looking for organizations that want to sponsor a teen team or a teacher team so they don’t need to pay for registration - another long-standing tradition. Space is limited to 38 teams. Admission is free to audience members, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

The GFFE Spelling Bee is on Friday, April 28. Concessions begin at 6 p.m., and the bee is at 7 p.m. For more information or to register, visit www.gffe.org/events.

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