`The Buzz’ stings competition at third annual Spelling Bee

By Carol Bousquet

KENNEBUNK, ME – The Journal Tribune took the title of spelling champs for the second time at the Third Annual Spelling Bee in support of the Education Foundation of the Kennebunks.

Fifty teams competed in the April 1 event at Sea Road School. Local businesses sponsored the teams and raised more than $7000. Ted Damon, founder of the EFK, said, “It’s exciting to have so much energy here on behalf of education.”

Words like pecksniffian, euterpean and aileron stumped teams thr/oughout the evening. Ten teams made it to the final round. The winning word? Maneuver.

“Regardless of win or lose it’s a privilege to work for something that benefits education,” said Drew McMullin, captain of the Journal Tribune team. He credited team member Claire Putnam with preserving their title. “Claire is above the rest when it comes to spelling.”

The Education Foundation of the Kennebunks is a non-profit group that has been funding innovative programs for Kennebunk and Kennebunkport students since 2006. The foundation is committed to “igniting the spark” in students’ minds with opportunities that promote critical thinking, communication and teamwork. More information on the EFK can be found at www.efkennebunks.org.