ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Every generation, it seems, has their own language within a language.
Slang that many of today’s older generation used during their youth — think daddy-0, spaz or fab — probably had their parents wondering what language was being spoken.
The same is true today, with adults trying — often in vain — to discern the etymology of popular terms like bae, sus or skurt.
So, if you’re an adult in need of a little reassurance that the next generation can still spell the words that fill the pages of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, we’ve got just the event for you — The Telegram Spelling Bee.
This year’s Bee, the 8th annual, starts 2 p.m. today at the Holy Heart Theatre in St. John’s and, as always, is open to the public. Admission is free, though the Telegram urges spectators to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Holy Heart of Mary food bank.
"I'd encourage anyone who loves words and seeing children achieve, to attend if they can,” says Telegram managing editor Pam Frampton, the chief judge who is joined at the table by fellow judges Sandra Patterson, CEO of Junior Achievement N.L., and retired educator Sharon Reddy.
“You often see such strong support for kids who excel at sports, but kids who excel at spelling deserve our encouragement, too, and their triumphs are just as wonderful."
SaltWire Network senior managing editor Steve Bartlett returns to host; Shannon Sullivan is back for an eighth year as the official pronouncer; and retired teacher Leo Converse is this year’s timekeeper.
But behind the scenes, there’s many more people who help make this educational and exciting event a growing success each year and they’re led, as always, by Carol Wadden, the Telegram’s Newspaper In Education (NIE) co-ordinator.
“I like the fact they're all recognized as school champions,” says Wadden, who is co-ordinating her ninth straight bee and got involved back when it was known as the Canspell spelling bee.
“They’re young and impressionable, so if this helps in any way to build any sort of self-esteem and self-confidence, then I'm all for it.”
Note: "Today" is Saturday
For the second straight year, the field of competitors — 88 strong from 45 schools around the province — doesn’t feature a returning champ, which means, as it did in 2019 when Maria Burton won, there’ll be a new champ crowned.
The title of top speller brings with it a $2,000 prize and a berth in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., held annually in May.
And this year, there’s a new runnerup prize.
“Deanne Fleet from CBC, her mom, Helen Fleet, passed away, so Deanne teamed up with Chapters/Indigo and they're matching $250 each for a $500 gift card to Chapters,” explains Wadden, noting that the prize gift card will be divvied up in the event of multiple runners-up.
Unlike years past, The Telegram is not permitted to stream the event on its Facebook live page this year, according to the rules set down by Scripps National Spelling Bee.
[email protected] | Twitter: @StJohnsTelegram
