LIHU‘E — The public is invited to watch the 10 Kaua‘i contestants to the Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee vie for the honor of advancing to the state finals on June 20 at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall, Ni‘ihau Ballroom.
The first words in the Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association are scheduled for 9 a.m. at the preliminary spelling bee that’s open to Hawai‘i residents 60 years of age, and older.
Following the extended deadline for registering spellers, the Kaua‘i Preliminary has come down to 10 contestants where the final three finalists, and their guests, will be flown to O‘ahu for the finals on July 29, courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines.
Additionally, the first place winner from the Kaua‘i Preliminary gets a medal and 50,000 Hawaiian Airlines miles. The second place winner will receive 30,000 Hawaiian miles, and the third place winner will get 20,000 Hawaiian miles.
The 10 Kaua‘i contestants include Jennifer Allen and Agnes Parks, both from Hanalei, Lucy Douthitt and Stephen Murakami, both from Kapa‘a. Carolyn Lumm and Cora Sue Meyer were selected from Lihu‘e, and Teresa Makinney was the sole contestant from ‘Ele‘ele. Three contestants from Kalaheo are Maria DeLeon, Sylvia Oliver, and Charles Scamahorn.
The state finals will include the top three spellers from preliminary bees on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island, Maui, and two O‘ahu preliminaries, one in ‘Aiea and one in Honolulu. The grand champion in the finals competition will earn a trip for two to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, and a four-night stay at the California Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are the presenting sponsors of the Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee with major sponsorships from Hale Ku‘ike and the California Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. ‘Ohana sponsorship is Humana, joined by HMSA.
The Kaua‘i Preliminary of the Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee is being hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Kaua‘i and its Service Leadership Programs that include the Key Clubs from Kapa‘a High School, and Kaua‘i High School.
