By Dimitar Tsekov | Executive Director
Before the Coronavirus profoundly disrupted our mode of life, learning, and connecting with others, the Spelling Bee 2020 School Competitions were in full swing, with more than 6500 students testing what they had learned during their diligent preparation.
The traditional Kick-ff took place in the "Sts. Cyril and Methodius" school in Kostenets, which has a long legacy as a Peace Corps partner and nine-time participant in the Spelling Bee. This legacy was evident in former students Martin and Evgenia's willingness to facilitate the event and encourage the contestants who awaited the start with trepidation. The special guests were Ivo Bosev from America for Bulgaria Foundation and Matt Hagengruber from the US Embassy in Bulgaria. They both commended the participants on their efforts and briefly relayed their respective organizations' appreciation of the competition as a unique platform for young English learners in the country.
Our team had the pleasure of travelling to quite a few other towns in Bulgaria, visiting some of the 299 schools which registered, and seeing how the enthusiasm of students, teachers, and guests turned every contest into a whole celebration of hard work and good sportsmanship. We could take heart and sometimes partake, in the Spelling Bee traditions that these schools had established: from exuberant decorations to fantastic bee cakes and little jars of honey given to guests as delightful souvenirs.
Many schools also embraced our novel initiative Spelling Bee Junior, whose goal was to include the youngest of English learners. We would often spot some of energetic Junior participants at the regular school competitions, absorbing every bit of knowledge they could and cheering on their older peers.
It was with a heavy heart that we postponed Spelling Bee Junior and cancelled the regional rounds and national final of Spelling Bee 2020. Yet, we can take solace in these instances of perseverance and camaraderie and know that our team's efforts were not in vain.
We hope you are healthy and in good spirits!
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