Welcome to Iowa Public Television! If you are seeing this message, you are using a browser that does not support web standards. This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device. Read more on our technical tips page.

Iowa Public Television

 

Note: If this video does not play, you may need to download the free Windows Media video plugin for your web browser.

Windows Media Player

Fair 2007: Spelling Bee

Duration: 03:00
Play in External Player

There was an impressive amount of respect, mutual encouragement and sportsmanship demonstrated at the State Fair Youth Spelling Bee held on Friday, August 10 in the Cattle Barn Media Center. One would have to say that there was also a great deal of courage in evidence that day.

There are three divisions: 1st & 2nd Graders, 3rd & 4th Graders, and 5th & 6th Graders. Each division had approximately 60 kids in it. In order to have children competing from all over the state, notices are sent out to all of the state’s public & private elementary schools and even home schooled children in the spring. Officials try to limit entrants to one child per school per division. Most schools have their own spelling bee to choose the child to represent them from each division. If they get more entrants than they have slots for, a lottery is held. Still, there are always some no-shows, so they do allow sign-ups on the day of the event.

The ability to focus and listen well is definitely a requirement. Not all that easy to do when dealing with what is for many an extreme case of nerves. Having the support of their friends and family, regardless of how long they stay in the competition, makes a big difference. You could even say exciting and fun. Especially when it’s all over and you’re walking out with a ribbon.

Tags:

Post Date: August 13, 2007