WFCU Credit Union Scripps Regional Spelling Bee
WFCU Credit Union would like to recognize Giovanna Patcas of L.A. Desmarais Catholic Elementary School who was the champion of the 2020 Windsor-Essex County regional spelling bee sponsored by WFCU Credit Union. After completing 20 rounds of competition against 34 spellers from 18 local schools, Giovanna was to represent Windsor-Essex County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C, in May 2020.
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing concerns about the spread of novel coronavirus and uncertainty around when public gatherings will be possible or advisable the Scripps National Spelling Bee has been cancelled.
In a note to spellers, families and sponsors, Scripps National Spelling Bee Executive Director Paige Kimble said:
"Our thoughts immediately go to our spellers and their families. The students have dedicated time and effort to their passion for learning. They should be proud of all they have accomplished by winning spelling bees at the classroom, school and regional level. Nevertheless, our first priority has to be the health and well-being of our spellers and their families and the hundreds of staff and spectators that come together for Bee Week.
Our hearts go out to the spellers who won’t get their final shot at winning because of the pandemic and the difficult decisions it is prompting us to make. They are now part of a widely expanding group of children and adults who are missing out on opportunities due to the coronavirus."
Among the spellers who were most looking forward to competing, were students in the eighth grade – like Giovanna, who through the cancellation of this event, are missing out on this lifetime opportunity and milestone of competing in this renowned competition; advancing beyond the eight grade next year, these students will become ineligible to participate in the spelling bee program.
We know that Giovanna was excited and had dedicated many hours in preparing for this final competition. All of us at WFCU Credit Union are so proud of her and all that she has accomplished by winning spelling bees in her classroom, school and then at the regional level and wish her the best of luck as she enters high school in the Fall.
2021 WFCU Credit Union Scripps Regional Spelling Bee
Stay tuned for registration details for the 2021 WFCU Credit Union Scripps Regional Spelling Bee.
Registration will commence in September 2020.
Enrollment is open to grades 4 to 8.
Click here to learn more about the Spelling Bee.