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A Fun and Successful Evening

The third annual Great Grown Up Spelling Bee fundraiser was once again a fun and successful evening. The Clinton Education Foundation (CEF) and Families Helping Families (FHF) collaborated for this fundraiser. Many local families and students will benefit from this event; CEF will use the funds for student and teacher grants and scholarships while FHF assists local families in need.

Thanks go to everyone who participated and provided sponsorship. Sponsors included MacKinstry Financial, The Morgan School English Department, Clinton Rotary, Red Barn Children’s Center, Shore TV & Appliance, Clinton Insurance Center, Middlesex Hospital Primary Care Madison, Friends of CEF, Friends of Pierson, The Clinton Lions Club, Community Health Center, Madison Furniture Barn, Funktion Fitness, The Grass family, Henry Carter Hull Library staff, and Grand Apizza of Clinton, Madison, and Guilford.

Eighteen teams participated with a lot of spirit, creative team names, and fun costumes. Teams consisted of teachers, civic organizations, friends, administrators, and counselors from surrounding schools, book clubs, and librarians. Prizes were awarded for best costumes (The Hip-BEEs), best team name (The Great Gats-BEES), and most team spirit (Stellar Spellers). The Clinton Sailing BEEs prevailed to win the BEE by correctly spelling “curlicues.” Our “Audience Bee” was a great success and many audience members participated in this fun event to raise additional money for the community.

Finally, we are thankful to our judges, Maryann O’Donnell, Keri Hagness, and Marco Famiglietti. Our appreciation is also extended to the Town Hall staff, the student winners of the Pierson Spelling Bee, and the busy “bee” helpers from CEF and FHF who made this event a success. We are particularly indebted to our emcee Bev Bowen, who enthusiastically volunteered to provide, organize, and pronounce the list of words used.

Thanks go to our welcoming community for a great event that will benefit many.

Melanie Elliot

Clinton Education Spelling Bee Committee