When fourth-grader Gavin Wojtas competed in his school's spelling bee, he knew he was a winner before he even won. The annual Spelling Bee at Brockport's Hill Elementary School isn't just about spelling. While being a top speller gets students to the actual event, it is primarily about building character and future leaders. After taking a pre-test in December to determine the top two spellers from each fourth and fifth grade class, meetings began to prepare the students both mentally and emotionally for the competition. Students had a chance to review their spelling words (from lists they took home to study) and practice using a microphone on stage. At the meetings, they learned where they would sit and what to expect, the number of judges, names of teachers and the format of the competition. They also learned to keep a positive attitude. Committee members reviewed how students should react, what happens when they get a word correct or incorrect and gave them an opportunity to talk about their fears. The focus of the final meeting was on building up to a happy event. "Can you believe it? You're in the top 24 of more than 300 students in your grade level," Albrecht told the students. "Even if you miss your first word, you're still in the top 24." All students participating in the Spelling Bee received a t-shirt displaying the school's Hawk logo and the words "2007 Spelling Champion." During a preliminary round, the top 24 students at each grade level took the stage before their families and friends the evening before the final Bee. The groups of students were narrowed down to five students who went on to the final round where they would spell in front of all students in their grade level. To support the finalists, all participants wore their t-shirts. Just before the final round, participants received a certificate and were congratulated for their accomplishment. The Spelling Bee runs like a well-oiled machine. After students finish spelling, their peers, teachers and families applaud, regardless of whether or not they got the word right. If the judge says, "I'm sorry that is not correct," the entire committee stands up to shake the student's hand. At the judge's table, in addition to the person pronouncing the word, there are committee members dedicated to using the words in a sentence and providing a definition upon request. When it is done, the PTSA sponsors two students from each grade to advance to the regional competition at the Rochester Museum and Science Center on March 25. "The whole idea is to build character and leadership skills in a controlled pressure environment," said Albrecht. "We are able to guide them through the process. It's amazing to watch the students gain confidence and really shine on stage." At the completion of the Spelling Bee, Principal Fil Peck awards 10 dictionaries to top spellers in the final rounds and congratulates all the students for participating. "Can you spell 'congratulations?' " she asks as she distributes the dictionaries. "I can tell you are all enthusiastic readers - that is an important way to build vocabulary. You should be proud of your accomplishments." In the weeks before the regional competition, the planning committee prepares the four finalists. Winners from the regional competition go on to Washington, D.C. to compete at the National Spelling Bee in May. As for Gavin, he doesn't seem worried. His plan is to study for an hour each day, as he did for the school competition. "My goal is to go to Washington and be on TV and if I don't make it I will still be proud," Gavin said. Fourth grader Stefan Holt will join Wojtas at the Regional Spelling Bee, as will fifth graders Cory Stamp and Erik Payne. Teachers Chris Albrecht, Brandon Broughten, Karen Carges, Joan Garner, Heidi Squillante, Cathy Mangan, Melissa Norment, Sharon Shannon and Mary Wanzer organize the annual event. March 4, 2007 |
