Submitted by the Rotary Club of San Juan Island

The Rotary Club of San Juan Island will hold its 13th annual Spelling Bee on Thursday, March 1, at 3:30 p.m. at the San Juan Community Theatre. Doors open at 3 p.m.

This year’s spellers include students from Friday Harbor Elementary School, Friday Harbor Middle School and Paideia Classical School. All island schools were invited to participate. The contest is open to fourth- through eighth- graders. The first-place winner will receive a trophy and a check for $100. In addition, a check for $200 will be awarded to the winner’s class, and $300 to their school. The second place winner will receive a trophy and a check for $75. Their class will receive $150 and school $200. All students will receive a medal in appreciation for their participation.

Rotarians Mary Sliger and Carla Wright will serve as judges. Former Rotarian Carol Linde will be the pronouncer. Bob Jarman will be emcee and calmer of nerves for the students. Last year, ‘alpinist’ was the correct spelling for Emma Mughal, an eighth-grader from Friday Harbor Middle School and the first-place winner.