from staff reports
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN — Put your spelling skills to the test with Lauderdale County’s own Emma Martin as she competes in the 2010 Mississippi Statewide Spelling Bee live on Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) television.
Today at 10 a.m., Martin will face off against 28 contestants from across the state.
“Mississippi Public Broadcasting is delighted to showcase these bright young people through our statewide broadcasting network,” says MPB Executive Director Judy Lewis. “The statewide spelling bee exemplifies a true dedication to learning that is to be commended and encouraged.”
Martin, age 13, is an eighth-grader at Northeast Middle School and is looking forward to the competition.
Martin’s grandmother and guardian, Barbara Spurier, says, “I am always proud of her but especially for winning the spelling bee.”
Martin was recently recognized for winning the 2010 Lauderdale County Spelling Bee by Lauderdale County Superintendant Randy Hodges and the school board during their March 11 meeting. At the meeting, Martin said, “I am surprised and not used to so much attention.”
Billy Broome, principal of Northeast Middle School, said the school is thrilled to have a district spelling bee winner.
"One, I am told, who is our very first in school history," Broome said. "Emma is a very quiet student; therefore, she has been forced to grow accustomed to the notoriety. She is a great student, and as her principal I am filled with pride and admiration for Emma. The student body of NEMS joins me in wishing her good luck at the state spelling bee.”
The statewide spelling bee is sponsored by the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE).
“The Mississippi Association of Educators is honored to provide the opportunity for students to showcase their academic talents,” said Kevin F. Gilbert, President of MAE. “We are excited to be working with MPB for a second year and look forward to our continued relationship as we continue to promote scholastic achievement of students across the state.”
Michael Rubenstein, Executive Director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, will host the competition. “I have a high-profile job that requires a lot of public speaking but serving as the official pronouncer for the state spelling bee is the most pressure-packed thing I do all year. I spend many hours preparing for it just like the kids.”
According to E.W. Scripps Company, which administers the National Spelling Bee program, the spelling bee is open to students who have neither turned 16 nor passed beyond the eighth grade, and who attend schools that officially enrolled with the spelling bee program for the current academic year. A complete listing of eligibility requirements may be found at www.spellingbee.com.
MAE will provide the winner with a cash award toward expenses to compete in the 83rd Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., June 2-4.
