Rotary Spell Bee 2015

'A record number of 37 students, drawn from P5 through to P7 at Auchencairn, Borgue, Gatehouse, Kirkcudbright and Twynholm Primary Schools, took part in this year's Rotary Club of Kirkcudbright Spelling Bee. Hosted by Kirkcudbright Primary School last Thursday evening, the students competed individually rather than representing their school in a 'school versus school' event.

Question Master Ian Rodger asked the students to spell some very challenging words throughout four Rounds of questions. Rounds 1 and 2 were written rounds duly marked by Rotarian volunteers after which fourteen of the more successful students were asked to resume their seats at the front of the hall for the commencement of Round 3. For this Round the students were invited to stand, in turn, to spell out loud three words and, at the end of this Round 3, the scores were tallied. The most successful five students were then invited back to the floor for the final Round which was a 'sudden death' elimination round where, once again, the students were asked to spell words out loud. At the end of this process one overall winner, Max Wright from Gatehouse Primary School, remained.

Ian Rodger, in his closing remarks, thanked all those present for their help and support and then commented very favourably about the courage of all of the young people for being able to stand up in front of an audience of some 50 adults and still retain sufficient composure to spell words correctly. Kirkcudbright Rotary Club Youth Service Convenor Paul Tebay then presented all the competitors with Rotary Certificates of Participation and finally presented Max Wright with the Rotary Spelling Bee Shield to retain for 12 months, the winning certificate and a book token for £15.''