Letter: Norwalk Education Foundation says thank you

NORWALK, Conn. – The Norwalk Education Foundation Board of Directors knows how to spell G-R-A-T-E-F-U-L. Grateful to the many people who came out to support the 2nd Annual Spelling Bee at City Hall on March 26th. Grateful to the 26 teams, representing ten schools, six businesses and five civic organizations.

The event was attended by over 250 people who came to cheer on their teams of spellers. NEF was supported by a variety of organizations who either sponsored the event, a team or donated an item as a prize. Special thanks to Norwalk Junior Soccer Association, Charkit Chemical, Garavel Subaru, Accurate Auto, O’Neill’s, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England Properties, Melissa’s Rainbow of Joy and Fat Cat Pie Company for their financial support. Appreciations to NancyonNorwalk.com for partnering with us as Media Sponsor and to Kohl’s for sending a great team of volunteers who helped at check in. 

The Spelling Bee event’s success is due in large part to the many unsung heroes – those who volunteer their time and talents. This event works because of our volunteer judges- Craig Creller (District Math Specialist), Joseph Giandurco (Ponus Ridge Middle School teacher), Brenda Williams (Communications Director for Norwalk Public Schools) and our Emcees- Harry Carey (Director of External Relations, AT&T) and John Dunsmore (Robek’s). We were fortunate to have a local student as our photographer, Emily Kempa and the Norwalk High School Culinary Club along with their teacher, Margaret Dolan providing refreshments.

It takes courage and a sense of humor to enter a spelling bee team. They dress up in zany costumes, parade on stage and compete against colleagues, students and other community members. The Library Ladies earned the $500 Grand Prize in the final round against Beach “Bum”-ble Bees from Marvin Elementary School. Best Name went to “The Berry, Berry Brilliants!”, a team from Robek’s. Best Costume was awarded to the Punktuators from Columbus Magnet School and Most Team Spirit went to “Bee” Dazzled from Charkit Chemical. We thank them for participating and supporting the Norwalk Education Foundation. It is because of the community that NEF can continue in its mission to support excellence and innovation in Norwalk Public Schools.

Thank you for the donation of prizes: Bridgeport Blue Fish, Fat Cat Pie Company, Don Carmelo’s, Mike’s Deli, Marinello’s Pizza, Norwalk Pizza & Pasta, Kumon Norwalk, Jordan’s Restaurant and Pizza, Tucci Lumber, Robek’s, East Side Cafe, Creative Cookie, and Waterfront Promotional Merchandising.

Gloria Tenofsky

Norwalk Education Foundation