Second place just won’t do
Spelling Bee open to anyone age 50+
What motivates a 58-year-old man to learn the contents of an entire dictionary? Winning.
Although he’s proud of his second-place finish last year, Randy Hilfman plans to do one better this time. The Seattle-area copy editor for Eddie Bauer wants to win AARP The Magazine’s National Spelling Bee June 14 in Cheyenne, Wyo.
He’s not alone in his quest for glory, but he doesn’t seem to mind having some competition.
“It was invigorating to be around so many people who loved words and the English language, and relished the opportunity to demonstrate their spelling skills,” Hilfman says. “It was exciting to compete on a national stage.”
Anyone age 50 or older (except previous winners) can compete.
The Bee was created in 1996 by a group of AARP members from Cheyenne who wanted a fun way to challenge their peers to keep their minds sharp as they age. It has grown over the years, welcoming spellers from nearly every state and Canada too.
While Hilfman and others study intensely, many spellers compete just for fun. Regardless of the motivation, Hilfman says studying for spelling bees offers long-term benefits.
“When preparing for them, you inevitably discover many other words you can incorporate in everyday conversation and in your e-mails, letters and other writing,” he says. “It’s an enjoyable, satisfying way to expand your vocabulary.”
Pam Leininger of Durango, Colo., plans to give Hilfman a run for his money. She will be a novice competitor, but also has been studying for about a year. “No matter how I do at the Bee, I want to say, ‘Thank you, AARP.’ You gave me a reason to challenge myself, and I’ve never felt more alive, smarter or younger!”
More than $1,000 in prizes is up for grabs, and the winner will be flown to New York City to appear on national television.
The 13th annual Bee will be held Saturday, June 14, 2008, at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The hotel is offering discounted room rates and a free round of golf for spellers and those planning to watch the bee. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 1-800-445-6945. Other lodging options can be found through the Cheyenne Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at Cheyenne.org or by calling 1-800-426-5009.
Registration costs $25 per speller and can be done at aarp.org/SpellingBee or by calling the University of Wyoming Events Line at 1-877-733-3618. Family and friends are welcome to attend and cheer on the spellers (or “unofficially” test their own spelling skills from the audience).
More information, including study and travel tips and a video of the Bee, is available at aarp.org/SpellingBee.
Lexi
