HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Christian County Literacy Council is gearing up to host students from all over the county for their 4th annual spelling bee. They will take the stage at Christian County Middle School on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m.

Francene Gilmer, executive director at the literacy council says it feels great to bring the competition back for another year. “It shows us that our students are interested in an activity that promotes their education,” said Gilmer.

As students from private, public, and homeschool settings take their skills to the microphone, Gilmer says she loves seeing their confidence grow with every word they spell. “I see students on the stage and at first they’re nervous or maybe a bit intimidated but as the evening goes on you can tell they become more confident in what they are saying and doing.”

The competition began in 2021 with only 35 participants, last year, the bee saw 87 students. Registration is still open on the Christian County Literacy Council website through Sept. 23, Gilmer is assured they will see a large turnout again.

Participants can expect a plethora of words that take them out of their usual capacity. “The words won’t be words that I can’t pronounce,” Gilmer joked. “We have guidelines and choose words that are age appropriate.”