2021 PG County Spelling Bee Program

Presented by The Washington Inform e

Friday, March 12, 20 2 1

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About Washington Informer Charities Washington Informer Charities is the non profit arm of The Washington Informer Newspaper Company, Inc. We are about helping children to reach their God given talents and gifts. We are there to guide, lend, and assist in any way to support our children so they may grow to fulfill their mission here on earth. Our foundation began with a vision. A vision to reach out and help as many children as we possibly can to nurture and train the child in the way he should go.

Washington Informer Charities also presents the following events each year:

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MLK Peacewalk and Parade

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Aferican American Heritage Tour

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Washington Informer DC Citywide Spellling Bee

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The Prince George’s County Spelling Bee presented by The Washington Informer

Visit us at: washingtoninformercharities.org and click our donate button to help support our programs

About The Washington Informer Newspaper Company, Inc. Now published by Denise Rolark Barnes, The Washington Informer Newspaper Co. Inc. was founded on October 16, 1964 by Dr Calvin Rolark, in order to highlight positive images of African Americans. We continue to focus on positive news, as we strive to EDUCATE, EMPOWER, and INFORM. We serve metropolitan Washington DC, and are now reaching over 50,000 readers each week through our award winning newspaper print edition; a monthly average of 225,000 sessions through our award winning website; 7,500 weekly subscribers through our weekly email newsletter, and have a growing social media network.

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The 2021 Prince George’s County Virtual Spelling Bee presented by The Washington Informer The Washington Informer is P-R-O-U-D to sponsor our 6th Annual Prince

George’s County Spelling Bee.

We recognize the V-A-L-U-E of being a good speller and how good spellers

are often good readers. When the two are combined, even virtually, the results spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S.

Prince George’s County has been a longtime participant in the national spell-

ing bee and this year marks the 6th anniversary of Washington Informer Charities’ sponsorship. We are H-ON-O-R-E-D to ensure its continued participation, even if it must be virtual this year. It has been an extreme

pleasure to work with Chauka Reid, Prince George’s County spelling bee coordinator. Ms. Reid is a committed, hardworking and dedicated supporter of the spelling bee and a strong A-D-V-O-C-A-T-E for all children enrolled in the Prince George’s County Schools.

This year also marks the 39th year of our official sponsorship of The Washington Informer Spelling Bee in the District of Columbia. We are especially proud of our L-E-G-A-C-Y that began with the decision by the late Washington Informer Publisher and Founder Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, who agreed in 1981 to bring the spelling

bee back to the District. Our participation resulted in a significant policy change for Scripps, the bee’s national sponsor, to allow weekly newspapers to sponsor local bees across the country. As a result, The Washington Informer also became the first African American-owned newspaper to become an O-F-F-I-C-I-A-L sponsor of a local bee.

We are sincerely G-R-A-T-E-F-U-L to the Prince George’s County Schools administrators, teachers and staff

for all you do to prepare students for this E-X-C-I-T-I-N-G and R-E-W-A-R-D-I-N-G opportunity. And, to the

staff of the Clarice Smith Center of Performing Arts for ensuring the Bee would go on V-I-R-T-U-A-L-L-Y.

We deeply appreciate Dave Zahren, who G-R-A-C-I-O-U-S-L-Y agreed to serve as the official pronouncer

again this year. THANK YOU to the sponsors, as well, for your invaluable support for this bee, Prince George’s schools and students. Your E-N-C-O-U-R-A-G-E-M-E-N-T is greatly appreciated.

Lastly, thank you to all of parents and coaches, without whom this bee would not be possible. You are the I-N-

S-P-I-R-A-T-I-O-N and M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N children need to be the best they can be. It all begins with you.

The spellers here today represent the P-O-S-I-T-I-V-E support they receive every day.

C-O-N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S spellers. We are extremely proud of Y-O-U!

Publisher

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Young Talent on Display at 2021 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee Sixth-Grader Headed to Florida for National Competitition in Florida Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer After several weeks of confidence-building, perseverance, and resilience-training, nine contestants in the annual Washington Informer -sponsored “Prince George’s County Spelling Bee” showcased their “t-a-l-e-n-t” for spelling March 12 in a virtual event at the University of Maryland’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.

As showtime began, the history-making contestants -all of whom are enrolled in county middle schools or are home schooled in Prince George’s County -- comforted that the event was being presented virtually for the first time, appeared more relaxed participating from their homes, and were required to recite the following pledge: “I am honest to myself. I am fair to my classmates and teachers. On my honor, I will neither offer nor receive any help during this virtual spelling bee.”

While supporters reminded them they didn’t have to worry about feeling intimidated by the glare of spotlights or a roomful of producers, sponsors, camera operators and others milling around, some of the nervous contenders had quietly taken to memorizing the spelling of certain words.

Dave Zahren broke the ice.

“No need for capital letters. Whether you win or lose, remember you have been in the shadow of giants. No matter what happens, everyone wins,” Zahren said.

First up for the nearly two-hour challenge, was eighth-grader Wenona Majette, who correctly spelled “puzzles.”

Next was seventh-grader Elizabeth Curley who breezed through “talent,” followed by sixth-grader Amor Wilson’s onpoint spelling of “Pigsty.”

As the competition quickly moved on to rounds two, three and four, the more challenging the competition became.

However, after a flurry of successive correct spellings for “ascribe” (by Elizabeth), “brilliant” (Amor), “distinctive” (seventh-grader Xaria German), “enfranchise” (Amor), and “jabberwocky” (eighth-grader Kristin Milburn), the heat turned up, with the field of contestants dwindling down to just four spellers.

By the time round five was announced, three spellers

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remained having correctly spelled “slovenly,” “duopoly,” and “frisket.” Incorrect spellings included “mogul,” “remedial,” and “utterable.”

By round 10, only Elizabeth, Kristin, and Amor remained.

In the final rounds, all three contestants misspelled words, giving rise to Elizabeth and Amor as the last two competitors.

After a series of back-and-forth between the two that led to the final 15th round, Amor correctly spelled “solenoid.” It was only after competing with himself, that he was declared the winner.

“I can finally exhale,” Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes exclaimed after Amor’s win. “Amor, you did so well and we’re very proud of you.”

While Vic Samuels from Educational Systems Federal Credit Union said the spelling bee -- which has been sponsored the past six years by the Informer (after its original host The Gazette folded) -- “is a good way to salute and support participating students. Tracye Funn, Washington Gas manager of Corporate Contributions and Supplier Diversity, Washington, D.C., concurred.

“Safeway and Safeway Foundation believe that education is the recipe to success. We are proud to support 2021 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee presented by The Washington Informer Spelling bee and salute this year’s competitors,” Safeway Foundation public affairs senior manager Beth Goldberg said.

Continued on Page 5

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Meet Our Winner Amor Wilson

Bradbury Heights Elementary School 6th Grade The eldest of three, Amor is surrounded by a very loving & supporting family who always encourages him to do his best. In the 3rd grade he was the winner of his school’s Spelling Bee in 2018. He enjoys physical activities including Track and Football. He loves listening to music and is known to break out in dance when he thinks no one is watching. He also enjoys drawing & reading in his spare time and brain challenging activities.

Spelling Bee Coordinator Chauka Reid

2021 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee Judges

Head Judge: Helen Knowles Assistant Judge: Lorraine Walker Assistant Judge: Jeannine Dorothy Challenge Judge: Dr. Elizabeth Primas

Continued from Page 4 She added that “it was an honor to be able to witness the event” and was happy that its coordinators “didn’t allow the COVID pandemic to stop them from proceeding this year.” The 2020 spelling bee was canceled due to the healthcare crisis.

Other spellers in this year’s bee included Malachi Jones, Kaylana Padre, Laura Ball and Menelik Diaw.

In addition to the prizes Amor will receive from the

Informer and other sponsors, in July he heads to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Orlando, Fla. to compete in the nationally televised event for which he will represent Prince George’s County.

Sponsors for the event were the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Educational Federal Credit Union, Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education Inc. (FAME), Pepco, Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce, Safeway Foundation, Silver Diner, Washington Nationals and Washington Gas.

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2021 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee Participants

Wenona Majette

9th Ave. Homeschool 8th Grade

Elizabeth Curley

Benjamin Tasker Middle School 7th Grade

Elizabeth is a proud member of the National Junior Honor Society involved in activities that give back to the community. Her favorite subject is Math because she believes in accomplishing goals that require logic and personal knowledge to problem solve. She is a competitive swimmer and enjoys piano, ukulele, singing & performing in musicals and plays. Elizabeth wants to give this advice to her fellow classmates, “Talk is cheap so instead, put the effort and passion in all that you do allowing your words to come to life.”

My favorite hobbies include sketching, painting and practicing West African Dance & Drumming. I have played Soccer and currently play Tennis. I’ve been playing & performing with Positive Vibrations Youth Orchestra throughout the Pandemic.

My favorite subjects are Language Arts & Social Studies. When I’m an adult I want to own a daycare because I like studying & caring for young children. I want to figure out a way the U.S. can make electric cars more affordable because the carbons from fossil fuels are destroying the atmosphere causing Global Warming & Climate Change

Malachi Jones

Maryland International Day School 5th Grade I am a kind person and I really like to learn. My favorite subject is Science because I learn about a lot of different things which is why I participate in FIRST LEGO and VEX IQ Robotics. I am on a Track/Field team and I bowl but Tennis is my favorite sport. I have a rock collection and I like to learn how to bake different foods. My favorite dessert to make is homemade Beignets.

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Kaylana Padre

St. Columba School 8th Grade

Kaylana’s hobbies include singing, Hula dancing and playing piano, keyboard & guitar. She is an avid Volleyball player and currently plays with the Southern Maryland Volleyball Club.

Laura Bell

Kristin Milburn

St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic School 7th Grade

St. Mary of the Mills School 8th Grade

When I grow up, I want to become a writer. I love writing stories and acting.

Language Arts is my favorite subject. I enjoy playing sports like Tennis. My favorite food is spaghetti. I hope that I get to visit France someday to check out the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.

Xaria German

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School 7th Grade I’m from Florida, proud to be an Afro Latina and my family is from New York & Puerto Rico. My favorite hobbies are baking, drawing, playing video games, piano, photography & learning ASL. My favorite sports are Football & Basketball and Science is my favorite subject. I’ve always enjoyed Spelling because my parents would challenge me with daily words. Spelling Bees are an exciting challenge for me, I’m able to expand my vocabulary and I always jump at the opportunity to enter.

My favorite subjects include Art and Language Arts. I look forward to being in this year’s Spelling Bee.

Menelik Diaw

Walker Mill Middle School 6th Grade I’m into sports such as Boxing and specifically Basketball. I like drawing and being active. I live with my Grandmother and four siblings. I play the Violin and I like to Rap for fun.

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Our Prouncer

Mr. David Zahren is currently a television instructional specialist with the Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Department of Television Resources and Web Services.

This is his 47th year with PGCPS. Over the past 30+ years, Mr. Zahren has written, produced, and hosted four award-winning science programs that have aired on cable television: “Give Science A Hand,” a hands-on approach to science aimed at elementary school students; “Science Bowl,” an interscholastic science game show; “Under the Microscope,” a series of staff development programs for elementary teachers that also airs nationwide on PBS stations, and a new series, “Anatomy of a Lesson.” This is his 21st year as the Prince George’s County Spelling Bee Pronouncer.

Mr. Zahren is a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has a master’s degree in school administration and human relations from George Washington University. In 1985, after a teaching career that had spanned fourteen years, including three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nairobi, Kenya, Mr. Zahren was selected as Maryland’s Teacher in Space candidate. He was one of 100 teachers chosen from the 40,000 applicants nationwide to vie for a flight aboard the space shuttle Challenger.

Mr. Zahren has received a number of awards, including the CINE Golden Eagle, for his work as a science teacher, a television host and producer, and a space educator.

He continues to produce and host public television programs with the Department of Television Resources and Web Services in Prince George’s County and is in his 17th year as host for “It’s Academic,” a high school quiz program that airs on WJZ-TV, the CBS affiliate in Baltimore. He retired in 2015 from Washington’s WJLA-ABC 7/News Channel 8 after working 25 years as a part-time weather forecaster.

Education

Education Spells Success!

Success

Education

Success Success

Educatio

is proud to support the Prince George’s County Education Spelling Bee

Success 8

Success

Success

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Congratulations Prince George’s County Spelling Bee Participants Financial services for the

education community 301.779.8500

esfcu.org/Locations

Federally insured by NCUA

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We consider each and every speller to be a winner, and our sponsors and partners have helped us to reward every one of them.

We humbly ask that you support our sponsors, partners, and advertisers.

2021 Spelling Bee Sponsors and Partners

Please feel free to contact The Washington Informer with any questions, concerns, suggestions for next year, or if you would like to personally thank any of our sponsors.

Denise Rolark Barnes, Publisher Ron Burke, Advertising and Marketing Director rburke@washingtoninformer.com

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The Clarice normally hosts The Prince George‘s County Spelling Bee in their facility, however this year, due to and in spite of the pandemic, they continued the tradition by providing the platform and technology to host it virtually

About The Clarice The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center is creating the NextNOW. We are building the future of the arts by educating, training and presenting the next generation of artists and creative innovators.

By shaping NextNOW audiences, experiences and artists, The Clarice breaks through traditional boundaries in art-making and audience development through the work of its 6 partners: • The School of Music nurtures artists, scholars, and educators who understand tradition and celebrate innovation.

• The School of Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies expands our capacity through performing arts to build communities, solve problems and create a life of meaning.

• The National and International Artist Partner

Program nurtures new voices, new works, and new ways to explore and discover ourselves and the world in which we live.

• The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission partners to improve the quality of life through the arts for all citizens in a diverse and inclusive community.

• The Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library is transforming space, both virtual and physical into dynamic collaborative learning environments for all of us.

A hub of innovation and possibility, The Clarice is building the future of the arts now!

Background The Clarice is in the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Maryland. As part of a major public research university, The Clarice is committed to collaboration and the creation and support of new work that further advances our knowledge and understanding, working in its creative radius.

The Clarice opened in 2001 and is a vital part of the arts ecology in Prince George’s County.

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Scripps National Spelling Bee Returns This Summer

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The Scripps National Spelling Bee returns this year with top spellers from across the U.S. and the globe gathering near Orlando, Florida, on July 8 to compete in the nationally televised event.

The final rounds of this year’s Bee will be hosted in person at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The finals, featuring 10-12 accomplished spellers, will be broadcast live in primetime on ESPN2.

The 10 to 12 finalists who will travel to the Orlando area will have earned the right to compete in the finals by advancing through three levels of competition: the preliminary, quarterfinal and semifinal segments. In past years, those three rounds were held over one week – Bee Week. This year, due to the global pandemic, the preliminaries, quarterfinals and semifinals will be held virtually in the weeks leading up to the July 8 finals and will be broadcast live on ESPN platforms. The semifinals are slated for June 27, and dates for the earlier virtual rounds of the competition will be announced this spring. www.spellingbee.com

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5/25/17 2:42 PM

ENERGY ANSWERS TO MAKE KNOWLEDGE KING.

Washington Gas is proud to work with public officials, business leaders and local organizations to help our children achieve. To learn more about how we are helping create a healthier, more vibrant community, visit washingtongas.com.

Washington Gas Congratulates the Participants of the 2021 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee presented by The Washington Informer

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