South San Francisco, CA May 15, 2019 Submitted by Aubrey Merriman, CEO – Boys and Girls Clubs of North San Mateo County
Boys & Girls Clubs of North San Mateo County reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge young people learn at school. We create opportunities for high-yield learning activities, which include leisure reading, writing, discussions with knowledgeable adults, homework help, tutoring, helping others and games. Our programs are designed to ensure that all Club members graduate from high school on time, ready for a post-secondary education and a 21st-century. We show our young people that with a focused approach, access to opportunities and experiences, along with hard work, they can reach their goals in school and beyond. We strive for every member to forge their path to a Great Future.
I am so thankful to our contestants, judges, friends, family, staff, board, and Sunshine Gardens Elementary School for supporting our 11th annual Spelling Bee hosted at our Sunshine Gardens Clubhouse. Boys & Girls Clubs of North San Mateo County understands that preparing for and participating in a spelling bee goes far beyond learning how to spell long or complicated words. The way the children learn the words is not just by hours of grueling memorization, but through etymology and learning roots, pronunciations, and multiple definitions. This is invaluable in terms of building vocabulary. Once children, develop a more extensive vocabulary they become better readers and writers overall.
Sure, sometimes spelling bees make kids nervous or scared. Bees are adrenaline-pumping to be sure, just like basketball or football games are, because they are competitions. Kids are just flexing a different set of muscles, and the game takes place in an auditorium, rather than on a court or field. Not only can preparing for a spelling bee help improve academic performance; it can also enhance a child’s growth in terms of life skills. Bees teach discipline and competition, and are a great confidence booster. And while it does take practice and regular studying, kids may also find it rewarding and fun. What’s the value in being a good speller, gaining a better appreciation for language and literature, stretching personal comfort zones, and forging new friendships? These are benefits no one needs to spell out for you.
Special thanks to our panel of judges: Matteo Rizzo, President of the South San Francisco Rotary Club; Eddie Flores, South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustee; Liza Normandy, CEO of the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Sam Shihadeh, Owner of Amoura Restaurant for being so generous with your time and support.