The Okanagan College Eggheads may be in the upper echelon when it comes to spelling shenanigans, claiming their third straight win, but everyone is a winner where the beneficiary is considered.
A buzz of excitement filled the ballrooms at the Best Western Vernon Lodge Wednesday morning as a record number of 22 teams raised $23,000 just by taking part in the seventh annual Kal Tire Spelling Bee in support of the Junction Literacy and Youth Centres.
Despite moans and groans from those who struggled, there were a lot of laughs and cheers as everyone from students to tire sales staff and bankers took part.
The College Eggheads claimed victory, once again, spelling all but one of the 15 words correct in the spelling bee. It’s a word which, once announced for the teams to collectively try and spell, produced the following response from many.
“Oh my gosh, I’ve never even heard of it.”
The Eggheads were off by one-letter in their spelling of guayabera.
Team Captain Chandra McCann admits there’s no secret to their success.
“We’ve just got some good spellers,” she said, adding that this year they didn’t even study, but they were joined by OC president Jim Hamilton.
“We just love coming to support the junction,” said McCann of the importance of literacy in every day life.
Whether they got one word wrong or several more, everyone had a great time for a great cause.
“It is such a great team-building event,” said Sun FM’s Betty Selin, event emcee.
In fact, it is so much fun most of the teams make it an annual event.
“The team with the boas, they come every year and they leave a trail,” laughed Selin, as many also dress up for the morning.
