The spelling bee recently took place in the auditorium at Scarsdale High School, where nearly 60 of Scarsdale's most competitive spellers took to the stage.
The winners this year were the Library Trustbees: Barbara Josselsohn, Michele Lichtenberg and Terry Simon. Though Simon is the only returning team member from 2014, this defending champion team will ‘bee’ the ones to beat in 2016.
More than 350 people were in attendance to cheer on their families, friends and neighbors that made up the 17 competing teams. Judges included state Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Library Director Beth Bermel and Margaret Smith, a member of the spelling bee committee.
The Rey Insurance Agency of Sleepy Hollow, Rachele Rose Day Spa in Hartsdale and A.G. Williams Painting Company with locations in Pelham and Greenwich, Conn., were three of the many sponsors of the spelling bee this year. The continued effort of these sponsors and loyal community outreach contributors resulted in the $16,300 raised this year.
Linda Rey and Laura Rey Iannarelli, co-owners of the Rey Insurance Agency, always have been big advocates of spelling bee events.
“The children [in our community] are our future," they said. "We love seeing these kids participate in a fun and engaging academic activity right here in Westchester that promotes and embraces learning. We hope there is opportunity to participate in this and other community activities again in the future.”
Renu Lalwani, one of the co-chairs of the event, also commented on the event.
“Our annual adult and teen spelling bee fundraiser for Scarsdale Library is not only a fun-filled and spellbinding diversion in middle of winter doldrums, but also a great way to foster awareness of our library and our commitment to education and literacy," Lalwani said.
All proceeds raised at the spelling bee, which also included an evening of trivia games, a silent auction, raffles and music, will benefit the Friends of the Scarsdale Public Library.
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