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Bruiser Bee Crowns Champs
It paid to know how to spell at the inaugural Bruiser Bee, or at least how to bid on numerous items perfect for Christmas giving.
The teams at the inaugural Bruiser Bee adult spelling competition on Thursday, Dec. 1, may not all have been able to spell insouciance, but they all knew how to spell F-U-N.
Designed to develop closer ties between the GPS family and the Greater Chattanooga community, the Bee also raised funds for financial assistance to help make a GPS education accessible for any girl in the community. Alison Lebovitz was the host and entertained with her word-calling and inside information about the team members. Dr. Mary P. Tanner was judge, kept busy determining the accuracy of words spelled out on white boards.
The night began with 21 teams gathering in the “Hive” to plot strategy and review practice words. Unique team names ranged from Spell on Wheels and the Dean Team (of GPS faculty and staff) to names like Live Untied (United Way) and The Pollinators.
After semifinal rounds, four teams vied for the trophy at evening’s end: Triple Nerd Score, Highway to Spell (US Xpress), Hookt on Phoniks, and Leit-ning Lawyers (Leitner Williams Dooley & Napolitan). Triple Nerd Score members Caren Jones, Sendil Krishnan, and Jim Tate outlasted the others and claimed the prize as Chattanooga’s Best Spellers.
A Silent Auction in the corridor of the Downtown Marriott outside the conference room displayed items as special as a trip to San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico, and more local wares such as jewelry, original artwork, tickets to the 4 Bridges Art Festival and Preview Party; a tailgating package, and spa services. Spellers and supporters alike had chances to be the high bidders on gift certificates to numerous restaurants, GPS Summer Camp, and Yacoubian Tailors.
Between rounds, the halls were crowded with attendees enjoying the buffet and carrying glasses sparkling with a Signature Drink, sponsored by First Tennessee Bank. Through all the fun and misspelled words, loyalty to GPS and camaraderie with friends were the highlights of the evening.
