Tyler

By PATRICK BUTLER
Religion Editor

Loads of logophiles will lend their love of the English language on Wednesday, hoping to bring literacy to Smith County. That’s when competitors at the annual Spelling Bee befitting the Literacy Council of Tyler will square off with pugilistic-like pride.

The lunchtime event sponsored by the Tyler Morning Telegraph will begin at 11:30 a.m. at 2000 W. Front St. and last until a winner is chosen by 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided by Traditions Restaurant and coffee served by Starbucks.

Admission to witness the classic fight to the finish is $15.

Teams of three will toss their spelling talents into the ring, hoping to emerge as victors in the normally uproarious competition. Costumed — and usually very vocal — “spirit” teams may accompany the orthographic quipsters in their quest to assemble syllables in scholarly precision. On a “second stage,” the best Spirit Team will also be awarded the coveted “Spirit Stick” in a vociferous bout of vocal chords.

Fun-filled as the competition may be, tensions run high scholastically-speaking, as each succeeding spelling round brings more complex and confusing choices, essentially challenging competitors to put up or shut up.

Honor and glory is at stake. No one wants their team making an early exit. Going toe-to-toe until all save a single squad fall, the winners will savor their sweet spell of victory for an entire year. Even better, all proceeds from the Spelling Bee will help fund Literacy Council programs to area residents seeking a better life through reading and writing.

“Come hear ordinary citizens spelling extraordinary words,” said information from the council.

This year’s judges will be Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, Tyler Junior College President Dr. Michael Metke, and Tom Harken, author of “The Millionaires Secret” and winner of the 1992 Horatio Alger Award. The emcee will be attorney Alan Jackson and David Long of LCOT will be the pronouncer.

Competing teams will come from Austin Bank; Carrier Corporation; Mentoring Minds; Sam’s Club; Suddenlink; East Texas Medical Center; Gollob, Morgan, Peddy & Co., P.C.; Henry & Peters, P.C.; the Pilot Club of Tyler; Snelling Staffing; Trane; Tyler Independent School District; and the Wilson Law firm.

Also sponsoring the event is the Brookshire Grocery Co., the Hoffener Foundation, Southside Bank and Wal-Mart Supercenters on South Broadway Avenue, Texas Highway 64 and in Mineola.