SOUTHINGTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC.

Instilling a love of learning.

Past Community Spelling Bees

2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

Eighth Annual Community Spelling Bee
April 19, 2018

Gail Duffy and Michelle LeBrun-Griffin, SEF Executive Board Co-Chairpersons bookend the 2018 Champion SEF ‘Spellers’ - SOUTHINGTON WOMEN FOR PROGRESS (Erica Roggeveen, Jessica Christiance, and Megan Mele) who stand center.

The Southington Education Foundation’s 8th Annual Community Spelling Bee brought together teams from around town to raise funds for a charitable cause while at the same time providing an evening of fun. The event brought funds to SEF coffers for future grants and programs that will benefit Southington children.

Southington’s world-ranked CyberKnights, also called FIRST Team 195, kicked off the evening with a demonstration.

The highly dexterous student-controlled robot stacked yellow cubes on the stage into even higher stacks. The three-time New England District Champions are scheduled to compete at the national level in Detroit at the end of April. The CyberKnights depend on help from volunteers and funding from sponsors such as the Southington Education Foundation.

The main event brought 17 teams to Southington High School in hopes of bringing home the coveted spelling championship trophy. Teams representing a variety of community and school groups came dressed typically in themed costume. The night was festive, admission was free, and the Southington Community Food Bank received much needed nonperishable donations. As a result, Southington Public School students will benefit from the event’s more than $4,000 profit.

As in past Bees, Stephen Proffitt served as Bee Master. He kept the teams focused and entertained the audience with spelling word riddles. Proffitt acknowledged the efforts of the spelling bee committee, Superintendent Timothy Connellan and Language Arts coordinator Stephanie Lawlor who served as judges, as well as all who came out in support of education. Time and again, Proffitt complimented the contestants on their courage to publicly show their spelling prowess - or lack thereof.

The 2017 Bee Champions, the Rotary Club of Southington hoped to retain its title. But it wasn't to bee. In the fifth round, the word  "VIAND" sent the Rotary Club home and gave the trophy to round one winners "Southington Women for Progress", Erica Roggeveen, Jessica Christiance, and Megan Mele.

Donna Gilewski and Paula Knight who have served as co-chairpersons of the SEF Spelling Bee stated that they are already looking forward to next year. The Spelling Bee is one of the Foundation’s major sources of revenue.

Click a photo below for a larger image.

Seventh Annual Community Spelling Bee
April 20, 2017

Michelle LeBrun-Griffin and Gail Duffy, SEF Executive Board Co-Chairpersons bookend the 2017 Champion SEF ‘Spellers’ - The Rotary Club of Southington Team (Kate Sirignano, Kristine Noli, and Gloria Brown) who stand center.

The Southington Education Foundation’s Seventh Annual Community Spelling Bee brought together teams from around town to raise funds for a charitable cause while at the same time providing an evening of fun. The event brought funds to SEF coffers for future grants and programs that will benefit Southington children.

Southington’s world-ranked CyberKnights, also called FIRST Team 195, kicked off the evening with a demonstration. Team member, Natiya Washer narrated a video that highlighted both student competitions as well as the FIRST Team 195 mission. For example, students not only spend long hours building robots and in practice for competitions but they also engage in community ‘giveback’ projects.

Most impressive was the student-controlled robot that sent yellow balls rapid fire across the stage into a ten-foot high cylinder. The 2017 three-time New England District Champions are scheduled to compete at the national level in St. Louis at the end of April. The CyberKnights depend on help from volunteers and funding from sponsors such as the Southington Education Foundation.

The main event brought nearly 20 teams to Southington High School in hopes of bringing home the coveted spelling championship trophy. Teams representing a variety of community and school groups came dressed typically in themed costume. The night was festive, admission was free, and the Southington Community Food Bank received much needed nonperishable donations. As a result, Southington Public School students will benefit from the event’s more than $5,000 profit.

The 2016 Bee Champions, the Rotary Club of Southington hoped to retain its title. The Wanna Bees previous title holders hoped to gain back its title. In the end the Final Round came down to four teams: the Rotary Club of Southington, the Prom Queen Bees of DePaolo Middle School, the SEA-BC’s of the Southington Education Association, and the South End Spells of South End School.

Round Four began. The word ‘annulment’ quickly sent the South End Spells team back to its seats. The deciding word-- ‘harangue’--sent both the SEA-BC’s and the Prom Queen Bees off stage. Who then remained? The Rotary Club of Southington was crowned once again champion. In the end, Kate Sirignano, Gloria Brown and Kristine Noli took away bragging rights and a well-deserved trophy!

Stephen Proffitt served as Bee Master, a role he thoroughly appeared to enjoy. He kept the teams focused and entertained the audience with spelling word riddles. Proffitt acknowledged the efforts of the spelling bee committee, Superintendent Timothy Connellan and Language Arts coordinator Stephanie Lawlor who served as judges, as well as all who came out in support of education. Time and again, Proffitt complimented the contestants on their courage to publicly show their spelling prowess or lack thereof.

Donna Gilewski and Paula Knight who have served as co-chairpersons of the SEF Spelling Bee stated that they are already looking forward to next year. The Spelling Bee is one of the Foundation’s major sources of revenue.

Click a photo below for a larger image.

Sixth Annual Community Spelling Bee
April 21, 2016

Michelle LeBrun-Griffin, SEF Executive Board member with the 2016 Champion SEF 'Spellers' -- The Rotary Club of Southington

The Southington Education Foundation’s Sixth Annual Community Spelling Bee was dedicated to beloved Southington educator, Joseph Cipollini. Mr. Cipollini, known as ‘Cip’ to his friends, colleagues and students was a spelling bee participant prior to his untimely death this past week.

Southington High School’s world-ranked CyberKnights came to the stage next for a pre-event demonstration. The high school students skillfully maneuvered the robot ‘High Fury’ to catapult basketballs across the stage while Griffin Alix talked about robotics competitions. The 2016 England District Champions will compete at a national level in St. Louis at the end of April.

The Spelling Bee brought nearly 20 teams to Southington High School in hopes of bringing home the coveted spelling championship trophy. Teams representing a variety of community and high school groups were typically dressed in costume. The night was festive, admission was free, and the Southington Community Food Bank received much needed nonperishable donations. As a result, Southington Public School students will benefit from the event’s $5,000 plus profit.

The Final Round came down to four teams: the 2015 championship Wanna Bees, the Rotary Club of Southington, the CyberKnights I, and the Thalberg Spellerz. The word ‘sergeant’ sent the defending 2015 champs back to their seats. The Thalberg team was the next to leave the stage when they incorrectly spelled ‘titlist’. Now there were only two remaining teams: CyberKnights I and Rotary Club. The deciding word -- ‘germane’ -- sent the CyberKnights off stage. The Rotary Club of Southington, having come close to winning on previous occasions, was crowned the champion. In the end Kate Sirignano, Gloria Brown and Kris Noli took away bragging rights and a well-deserved trophy!

Stephen Proffitt served as Bee Master, a role he thoroughly appeared to enjoy. He kept the teams focused and entertained the audience with a few spelling word riddles. Proffitt acknowledged the efforts of the Spelling Bee committee and the supporters who came out to support education.

Since its inception in 2009, the Southington Education Foundation has provided almost $200,000 in enrichment programs that foster educational excellence in the town’s public schools.

Click a photo below for a larger image.

Fifth Annual Community Spelling Bee
April 30, 2015

Emcee, Bill Lutz with the Wanna Bees: John Zimmerman, Dave Pestillo, Joe Peccerillo

Thanks to all who helped the Southington Education Foundation spell “e-x-c-e-l-l-e-n-c-e” for the community’s school children.

The Fifth Annual SEF Community Spelling Bee was held Thursday, April 30, 2015. Twenty eight 3-member teams competed for the coveted trophy, but it was last year's champions, the ‘Wanna Bees’, with 'Brothers from Other Mothers' Dave Pestillo, Joe Peccerillo, and John Zimmerman who once again prevailed.

The evening opened with a demonstration by the SHS Robotics Team, the CyberKnights. The students showed the tasks that three of their robots performed during recent competitions. The Southington Education Foundation is a proud sponsor of the CyberKnights and has provided financial support to help ensure their program continues to be successful.

Bee Master for the evening was Mike Magnoli, FoxCT News. Judges were Superintendent of Schools Tim Connellan and Stephanie Lawlor, Language Arts Coordinator. The Referee was SEF Board Member Beth Pestillo. Emcee was SEF Board Member Bill Lutz. Boxes of non-perishable food items for the Southington Community Food Bank were also collected.

Approximately $9,000 was raised from this event which will allow us to continue our mission of offering innovative, creative learning experiences for Southington's students. Special thanks to our corporate sponsor, the Hospital of Central Connecticut, for their financial support of $1,000!

Click a photo below for a larger image.

4th Annual Community Spelling Bee
April 23, 2014

John Zimmerman, Joe Furey, Dave Pestillo, Joe Peccerillo

The WannaBees ("Brothers from Other Mothers" Dave Pestillo, Joe Peccerillo and John Zimmerman) took home the coveted trophy at the Fourth Annual SEF Community Spelling Bee, Wednesday, April 23 at Southington High School.

The following teams made it to the final round: Hip-Bees (Sherri DiNello, Sue Euley and Patty Smolinski from the Board of Education), Rotabees (Kate Sirignano, Kris Noli and Gloria Brown from the Rotary Club),  Profits for SEF (Steve Proffitt, Mathew Proffitt and Mark Proffitt) and Bee-Knighted (Helen Crowley, Rick Terino and Kim DiFusco from SHS Administration).

With 25 teams participating SEF raised over $8,000 to benefit education in Southington.

Thanks to all who participated with special thanks to our Bee coordinator Alan DeBisschop, Bee referee Beth Pestillo, Bee Master Joe Furey, and Bee Judges Dale Reidinger and Stephanie Lawlor.

A special shout out to our corporate sponsor, the Hospital of Central Connecticut, for their financial support of $1,000!

And what was the word that won the night for The WannaBees? IRIDESCENT.

Click a photo below for a larger image.

3rd Annual Community Spelling Bee
April 4, 2013

What a night! Our Third Annual Community Spelling Bee was a tremendous success! We raised $10,000 and had 30 teams participate - our most yet and our goal number!

Thank you to all of our members who either helped us this evening or actually participated in the Bee. A special thank you to our Spelling Bee coordinator Alan DeBisschop and Bee referee Beth Pestillo. Also our own Joe Erardi as one of two judges on hand.

Other shout-outs to Tony Sheffy, Jan Galati, Steve Proffitt, Beth Hosmer, Rick Veilleux and Linda Flynn.

And by the way, in case you were wondering, the word that won the Bee-lievers from Plantsville Congregational Church the trophy (which they've now won two out of three years!) was MILLENNIUM.

View photos from the event | Watch a video from the event

2nd Annual Community Spelling Bee
April 19, 2012

Once again the Southington community spelled success for its students through amazing support of the Southington Education Foundation’s 2nd Annual Adult Spelling Bee on April 19.

With 81 participants yielding from all segments of the community and corporate sponsorship from Pops Original Burgers and Fries on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, nearly $10,000 was raised. That money will be used to better the education experiences of our public school students in Southington.

Congratulations to TD Bank’s Totally Dominant Bank Spellers' team, of Rick Veilleux, Rosemary DeFeo, and Kelly Steffans, who took home the trophy and bragging rights for a year with the correct spelling of the word “cappuccino.” They won out over the A,B, SEA Team, made up of Rick Terrino, Joe Cipollini, and Beth Hosmer who, for the second year in a row, came in second place.

Special appreciation goes out to the Key Club Stingers, the SHS Key Club team made up of Kyle Martin, Nate Lavertu, and Megan Bowes. This is the first time students have participated in the Bee and the formidable opponents made it to the final round of competition along with last year’s winners, the Bee-lievers of Plantsville Congregational Church. Also in the final round were the SHS Bee Knights – Helen Crowley, Andy Bayer, and Dr. Marty Semmel.

The SEF also appreciates Bee Master Joe Furey, of FOX 61 News, and all attendees and participants who donated non-perishable food items to Bread for Life.

• See the FOX 61 News Story
• View the Photo Album on Facebook

1st Annual Community Spelling Bee
June 16, 2011

The Southington community spelled S-U-C-C-E-S-S for its students through amazing support of the Southington Education Foundation’s 1st Annual Adult Spelling Bee, June 16.