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GASA Spelling BEE 2004
December 16, 2004

Borne out of an idea submitted by Verna Mamicpic-Alih last week of October, 2004, our first-ever GASA Spelling BEE was held at the Lazi National Agriculture School (LNAS) in Lazi, Siquijor, Philippines on Thursday, December 16, 2004. There wasn't much time to prepare but because many of you pitched in, the event was successful. GASA would like to thank and acknowledge the following:

Our coordinators:

  • Ester B. Alaya-ay - 6th Grade students adviser, Lazi Central School. Ester was instrumental in facilitating the distribution of letters to the HS principals throughout Siquijor and liaising with Verna via txt msgs in the setting of the date for the Bee.

  • Wilfredo E. Duran - Head teacher, Siq. Provincial Science High School. Fred followed up the letters distributed by Ester and reminded the principals of the affair while encouraging them to support this endeavor.

  • Verna Mamicpic-Alih

Mrs. Herminia T. Achay, principal of LNAS
LNAS Faculty and Staff
Mrs. Achay mobilized her teachers, staff and upper class students in the clean-up of the room, setting up chairs and providing/creating a wonderful backdrop and for the use of their wonderful sound system.

Mr. Ray Santos - LNAS faculty. Ray readily accepted the on-the-spot assignment to be the timer of the Bee.



A contestant doing some last minute checking of a reference book prior to the start of the BEE.

 

Our judges:

  • Mrs. Lili Marchan - retired district supervisor of the Dept. of Education. Lili graciously accepted the 'last minute' assignment of reading the rules for the Bee and also as one of the judges for the Bee.

  • Mrs. Ester Mamicpic-Sison - A surprised Ester also accepted the 'last minute' assignment as one of the judges for the Bee.

  • Ms. Carmenia Y. Miraflor - GASA president

Mrs. Celia Mamicpic-Bermejo - Quizmistress for the Bee.

There was a high level of enthusiasm from the LNAS faculty, the principals, guests and teachers of the participating schools. They were very pleased upon learning that a dictionary came with the cash prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Before the competition started, Carmenia suggested to the teachers/advisers present that they go along with the Bee and spell the words on their own (by writing it down) - not to see who is a 'bad speller' but as a learning tool. This generated a bit of laughter as some of them spelled words incorrectly. After the competition, they were joking that maybe, there should be a Spelling BEE for teachers also. 'Careful what you wish for!'

Everyone present expressed that they would like to see another one in 2005 (or make it a yearly event). We will certainly look into it and with the help of generous donations, we may have another one soon.

THANKS TO ALL and especially to our generous donors!!!

For a photo documentary, click here ===>  2004 Spelling Bee Gallery  Thanks to our photographers: Verna Mamicpic-Alih and her son Faisal.