By Cos Barnes/Special to OutreachNC

All the droning and buzzing you’ve been hearing from the staff and volunteers of the Moore County Literacy Countil give testimony to the fact that they are planning and preparing for the seventh annual Spelling Bee for Literacy to be held Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at Owens Auditorium of Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst.

Spurred on by the success of the former six events, the Council recognizes this as its primary fundraiser, but also as a night of fun and laughter, in which the whole county takes part.

Although admission is free, donations are welcome. Last year’s audience of 700 raised more than $24,000 to help the council in its fight to eradicate illiteracy. Over the years as the populatity has grown, the Bee moved from the Sunrise Theater to Owens Auditorium because more seating was needed.

Three-member adult teams compete for the coveted Best Spelling trophy. Addional awards have been added including Best Team Costumes, Best Buzz and Keep the Hive Alive for which a trophy will be awarded to the team that generates the most donations. As you listen to these enthusiastic teams call out their answers, you’ll remember those long-ago years when you had a spelling test every Friday and when you conscientiously called out the spelling words for your children. I am always reminded of a second grade teacher who gave us the word extinguisher (as in fire) on a weekly test.

Teams are filling up fast as are the rosters of sponsors. Call the Council at (910) 692-5954 for more information.