The local sponsors for the Scripps National Spelling Bee come in many shapes and sizes. Some sponsor one or two counties, and some, like the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE), sponsor 44 counties in a single state.
"MAE was honored to take the reins of the
Mississippi Spelling Bee in 2009 and eagerly agreed to engage in this great
work with Mississippi students," said Beverly Brahan, MAE event coordinator.
"MAE works diligently to highlight students' academic successes across the
state and this opportunity fit right into our mission and goals."
That mission now
includes hundreds of schools that participate in 44 counties and approximately
65 school districts across the state. To earn a spot in the Mississippi Spelling
Bee, students must first compete in classroom, school, district and county
spelling bees.
"MAE recognizes and
celebrates each contestant and family members on the morning of the statewide
bee with special awards as these students won multiple spelling bees in order
to represent their county," Brahan said.
The hospitality in this southern state doesn't
stop there. Spelling bee fans across the state can watch the final bee live on
Mississippi Public Broadcasting. MAE is particularly proud of this partnership
because it highlights some of the best students in the state and encourages
many others watching at home.
"MAE believes in
great schools for all Mississippi students," Brahan said. "Sponsoring the
statewide spelling bee provides a way to highlight the accomplishments of some
of Mississippi's best and brightest youth."