BRILLIANT – Sponsorship is the foundation of the Herald-Star Jefferson/Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee coordinated by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, and the call is going out for dedicated donors to invest in the area’s young people and send one speller to represent them at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.
The regional spelling bee will mark its 40th year on March 8 at Buckeye North Elementary, and there is time for those considering sponsorship to help make it possible for the winner to do the region proud.
Many eyes will be on the regional bee. Jefferson County Educational Service Center Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo said more than 2,000 fifth through eighth graders have been working hard as they prepared for the spelling bees at the six participating districts of Buckeye Local, Harrison Hills City, Edison Local, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City, Toronto City and Jefferson County Christian School, as well as homeschoolers and virtual academy students.
When the top 32 students and six alternates take the stage at Buckeye North, sponsors will be announced, listed in the program, included on the electronic display sign at the JCESC office on Sunset Boulevard, and featured in the Herald-Star newspaper.
Sismondo said the regional bee is still short of the close to $6,500 needed to send a student and parent to nationals and for trophies and prizes for the five leading spellers.
He added that the organization is entirely volunteer, and sponsors can be assured that every dollar they donate goes directly to the students.
“It’s imperative. It’s so important to have our sponsors back the spelling bee,” he said. “We’re truly appreciative of what they have done as far as supporting us in their sponsorship.”
All involved are grateful to those who choose to sponsor.
“They’re exceptional and I truly appreciate what they do for the students,” he said. “It’s good to know that these people are helping our students to be the best they can possibly be.”
Sismondo said students and their families will carry these memories for the rest of their lives. Past regional winners can often be seen in the audience, encouraging the next generation of spellers.
“It’s a good experience.”
The work the students put in makes a difference, from improved spelling and reading skills, to the confidence that comes from standing on stage in front of their peers and the audience.
“It’s all about the students,” Sismondo said. “Sponsors play an important role in making the regional spelling bee a reality. Their support not only helps cover event costs, such as materials and prizes, but also makes certain that students have the opportunity to showcase their hard work and talent on a meaningful stage.”
Other committee members agreed that by partnering with sponsors, they can create a well-organized and memorable experience for participants, their families and the audience, while also providing businesses with valuable visibility and engagement opportunities.
Justin Wiley, Spelling Bee Coordinator for Toronto City Schools, agreed. He reiterated that sponsorship enhances the event’s reach and impact, creating and nurturing a love for learning and literacy in the community.
Misty Mills, high school English teacher and junior high spelling bee coordinator for Harrison Central Jr/Sr High School, knows how hard the kiddos have worked for this chance to shine.
“Sponsorship is integral to the Regional Spelling Bee in that it provides students opportunities to improve spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension. Additionally, participating in the Regional Spelling Bee helps students build self-confidence and problem-solving skills, which are beneficial for their futures.”
Ross Gallabrese, committee member and executive editor of the Herald-Star, is familiar with the regional bee from the Herald-Star’s long participation in the event, beginning under then-publisher Charles Govey who worked with local educators to secure a sponsorship through Scripps.
“We’re proud that we’re able to continue to be involved with the spelling bee. It’s something we’ve been involved in from the very beginning,” he said. Gallabrese added their sponsorship has touched the lives of countless children and families since 1985. He said the students’ hard work is evident during the individual district spelling bees, and the air is charged with competition at the regional level when one local speller will earn the chance at the Washington D.C. contest.
Gallabrese pointed out that the Scripps spelling bee is truly international, hosting spellers from across the world.
“It’s a pretty good experience.”
He said thanks go out to the sponsors for their part in making the program so successful.
“The sponsors really get a lot out of it,” he said. “Thanks to the sponsors, the bee has been able to increase the number and quality of the prizes that the spellers get.”
One of the newer sponsors is pediatrician Paul Macdonald. He and his wife, Suzanne, decided to contribute after their son, Andrew, won regional in 2022 and 2023. They saw firsthand the worthwhile impact of the spelling bee.
“We were given an incredible gift, and we wanted to share that gift with others,” he said. “Our family benefitted from generous sponsors in the past, so we would like to be generous in return.”
He said the spelling bee is as impressive from the sponsorship side.
“This money is being used very wisely. It all goes to the kids.”
A long-time sponsor is START LLC. Owner Darla Hoagland said she has seen the benefits for young people since starting START’s sponsorship in 2015.
“This is an opportunity for the students to have a challenge all on their own,” she said. “Always happy to support our county students.”
For more information, contact the JCESC at 740-283-3347 or visit the website at https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/Default.aspx. Checks can be made out to the at the Jefferson County ESC, 2023 Sunset Boulevard, Steubenville, Ohio, 43952 and sent to the attention of Treasurer Ethan Tice.
